Question about moving my tank.

[glennr1978]

My family and I are going to be moving to a new house that is about 7 miles from where we currently live. I'm really nervous about moving my tank because the last time I tried to move a tank it didn't go so well (I lost almost all of my livestock). I haven't done a ton of research yet, but it seems to me that ditching my current sandbed and starting over with a fresh new one would be my safest option. What do you guys think?

My little 40g tank is loaded with all of the SPS frags / colonies that it can take and I really don't want to lose them. Quite a few can be unmounted and bagged up pretty easily, but there are a few that are very much encrusted to some larger pieces of live rock. Not to mention some of the rocks have multiple frags / colonies encrusted on them. How should I go about moving these pieces?

Any input is appreciated, thanks!! -Glenn

[captexas]

How deep is the sandbed?

[JimD]

Dont dislodge the corals from the rock, just get a few large plastic containers and put the coral and the rock theyre on in the container, 7 miles isnt that far. Make sure to save your existing water, it would be best to use new sand but you could take the old sand and wash it clean then re-use it. Some people have had good luck using the old sand but its risky as youll no doubt have some die off causing another cycle which is usually the cause for loss of livestock... Good luck!

[Bill S]

What Jim said

[glennr1978]

How deep is the sandbed?

You mean how shallow is my sandbed???? It's only about 1-2" deep.

[glennr1978]

Dont dislodge the corals from the rock, just get a few large plastic containers and put the coral and the rock theyre on in the container, 7 miles isnt that far. Make sure to save your existing water, it would be best to use new sand but you could take the old sand and wash it clean then re-use it. Some people have had good luck using the old sand but its risky as youll no doubt have some die off causing another cycle which is usually the cause for loss of livestock... Good luck!

I don't mind buying new sand if this is the best way to go. Are there any drawbacks to using new sand?

I will try to save as much water as I can.

Most of the corals I'm concerned about are branching SPS. There's one rock that has two frags and 2 larger colonies on it that won't safely fit in a 5g bucket. I will likely get that piece it's own cooler to take the ride in. Is there any way I can add anything to the water to aid as a shock absorber? This may sound nuts, but can I surround the rock in chaeto? I've got a fairly large clump that would probably do the trick. I could have my wife drive the truck while I ride in the back and hold the rock in place.....hmmm.

I really appreciate the suggestions guys, keep em coming!!! Thanks -Glenn

[Bill S]

If you have just 1-2" of sand, I'd reuse it. Put it into a big tub, or several 5 gallon buckets, and rinse them very, very well.

I wouldn't but chaeto around them - they probable wouldn't like the stress of another organism.

If you need some buckets, you are welcome to borrow some. Frankly, if you have items that can be bagged, that's a better solution than buckets/coolers.

[glennr1978]

Yeah I thought the chaeto idea would be a stretch. Most of it can, and will be bagged. There's only a few rocks that will get either their own cooler or a bucket. Thanks for the offer btw, but I'm about 150 miles from SA.

So are there any drawbacks to using new sand? If not I really would prefer to go that route if it's safest. I could always let the sand I have now dry out and use it later. I've always got another project in mind so having the extra sand wouldn't be a bad thing!!

[Bill S]

Where is "150 miles from SA"? It DOES help to have your location in your profile.

[glennr1978]

Where is "150 miles from SA"? It DOES help to have your location in your profile.

ask and you shall receive!!

[dustint21]

I think he is near Corpus!

Oops he beat me to it!

[Bill S]

That's what I thought... We go to Corpus Christi most weekends. Do you want me to bring you some buckets to borrow???

[glennr1978]

That's what I thought... We go to Corpus Christi most weekends. Do you want me to bring you some buckets to borrow???

I see.... Let me look around in the garage and see what I already have on hand. I may take you up on your offer though. Thanks!!

[princer7]

If you are able to, bank some frags of your best corals with someone you can count on. If worst case happens, you can always start again with your frags.

[glennr1978]

If you are able to, bank some frags of your best corals with someone you can count on. If worst case happens, you can always start again with your frags.

I thought about that. I may have to get in touch with some of the local guys here.

[Bill S]

That's a really, really good idea.

[Mr Cob]

If you are able to, bank some frags of your best corals with someone you can count on. If worst case happens, you can always start again with your frags.

Great idea.

That's even a good idea without a tank move.

[DrMark]

I thought about that. I may have to get in touch with some of the local guys here.

Glenn, let me know what you need, happy to help you.
mark

[lt1z28]

You can also leave all the existing sand in the tank just make sure not to stir the sand. Leave just enough water in the tank to cover all the sand and when you are ready to fill the tank with the water that was taken out from your tank place plastic bags over all the sand to keep it from stirring and creating a sandstorm. If the sand is stirred it is very likely that it will cause a cycle.