Moving a tank

[Mr_Cool]

I'm going to be moving my 55 gallon into another room in the house. The plan is to drain about half the water into some rubbermaid tubs. Then, I will move my livestock into the tubs and put a powerhead in each for circulation. After that, I will need to drain the rest of the water, some to another tub, and some to get rid of. I'll be due for a water change anyway. Then I can remove my rock. Here's my queston...

Should I remove the sand before moving the tank and stand? I have about 120 lbs in there and I'm afraid it will compromise the integrity of the tank if I don't remove it. On the other hand, since the sand bed has been established for about 7 months or so, would it mess things up by removing it? I'd hate to have to start all over with new sand, but I heard that would be a good option.

Any input would be appreciated because I plan to make the move sometime in the next 2 weeks.

[hobogato]

7 months is not that long. if it were me, i would leave enough water in to keep the sand covered, and then, after moving, put in something to deflect the water you add back in so it doesn't stir up the sand too much. some base rock or a tupperware lid or anything like that would work.

[don-n-sa]

I agree with everything Ace has stated...good advice

[captexas]

I wouldn't try lifting the tank alone with 120lbs. of sand in it, especially wet sand as it will be even heavier. A 55g tank has pretty thin glass and if it didn't break (which I think it would), the joints would be stressed. If it is on a stand that evenly supports the bottom of the tank and you and your helpers can lift the entire thing, then that might work. Other than that, definately keep the sand wet to keep anything in it alive and it should be fine.

[Mr_Cool]

O'kay. It sits evenly on the stand and the stand even has some casters on it to help move it if needed. I'm pretty sure it's tempered glass, too. If I can't move it with the wet sand still in it, do I have any other options? Can I put the wet sand in buckets, move the tank and sand, and then put the sand back in? I know this would disrupt the anaerobic layer, though. Is this a problem? Or, will it just take some time for the anaerobic layer to develop again? Which is riskier?

[::pete::]

Id lower the water level and move it as is ... I have done it like this before.

[hobogato]

the anaerobic layer will be fine if you have to take the sand out, but i think that would be a lot of extra work. you should be able to move it with the sand and a little bit of water in it.

[Mr_Cool]

Thanks guys! I'll let you know how it goes.