Challenges of Moving a Reef

[Rychek]

So I'll be moving in from an apartment into a house at some point during the month of October and this presents me with a problem. Here is a pic of said problem:

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/Rychek426/FullTank.jpg

How does one move an established 90 gal reef from one place to another? If I were upgrading my tank it would be easy to move the contents from one place to another because I'd have plenty of time to get a new tank setup. However, unless someone out there has a reef ready 6' tank/stand/canopy they want to let go for cheap or trade for a 90 gal tank/stand/canopy + a little cash, I'm stuck with moving from my 90 gal then back into my 90 gal.

I've got enough (I think) buckets and tubs to move everything all at once, but it will take time to clean the tank, sump, fuge and plumbing before setting it back up. I figure I'll have to use my Koralias and/or air pumps to keep things alive while I set everything up.

Once I have the water ready at the house, my tentative plan goes something like this:

1) Drain tank water into tubs/buckets
2) Put rocks/corals/fish/inverts into tubs/buckets
3) Dismantle tank
4) Load all in truck
5) Drive to house
6) Unload truck
7) Clean system
8) Reassemble system
9) Begin filling tank with new water
10) Add old water, rocks, etc
11) Top off tank
12) Take ~800 mg ibuprofen and be glad I dedicated an entire day to moving just my fish tank. :)

All that having been said, any ideas/suggestions for moving everything?

[dmweise]

I moved my 45 gallon tank from an apartment to a house in April. The whole thing took about ten hours. I think you may need some Jack instead of the Ibuprofen.

I definitely recommend getting some carts to help move things around, maybe even a small trailer from Uhaul so that you can bring the trailer to the entrance of both dwellings.

[msmith619]

Talk to Eve and Ross. They did a big move recently. Here is what I know: Have lots of friends on hand to help you move.
Get the MAAST cart to move the tank.
Have LOTS of extra pvc plumbing fittings...some WILL break!
What you think will take an hour or two might turn in to 2 days.
These are tidbits from my and other people moves. Use BigBird's logic. If it can break, it will during a move. If it doesn't you are blessed.
Not trying to be pessimistic, just realistic. The more prepared you are, the easier it goes!

[Big_Pun]

just take it down and reassemble right away the faster the better ,yes you can use the old water, it's better, I bought a large 65 gallon tub at HD but only filled it half way so it won't slosh around and put my corals and live rock in there I moved 2 29g cubes in 3 hours, 2 trips, but I didn't take out the sand so buckets will help with sand, ask penny and carl the moved 2 huge tanks at the same time and lots of equipment , lots of help is good espeacialy fellow reefers, I can help just have cold drinks lol

[Rychek]

I moved my 45 gallon tank from an apartment to a house in April. The whole thing took about ten hours. I think you may need some Jack instead of the Ibuprofen.

I definitely recommend getting some carts to help move things around, maybe even a small trailer from Uhaul so that you can bring the trailer to the entrance of both dwellings.

I don't drink so Jack isn't an option, but I do have lots of ibuprofen. :D

Last time I moved (two years ago) I only had a 30 gal fresh water setup, so this will definitely be a new experience.

I live on the ground floor of my apartment, but I can't get a trailer anywhere near the door. There are a few steps and a staircase in the way. :( I can pull my truck fairly close to the door of my house though.


Talk to Eve and Ross. They did a big move recently. Here is what I know: Have lots of friends on hand to help you move.
Get the MAAST cart to move the tank.
Have LOTS of extra pvc plumbing fittings...some WILL break!
What you think will take an hour or two might turn in to 2 days.
These are tidbits from my and other people moves. Use BigBird's logic. If it can break, it will during a move. If it doesn't you are blessed.
Not trying to be pessimistic, just realistic. The more prepared you are, the easier it goes!

I really only have two plumbing fittings that can break and if they do, I'll probably have a broken pane of glass to go along with it. If that happens I'll have much larger problems than needing to replace a PVC fitting. :)

I'm going to set aside an entire day to "move" the tank. I plan to have all of the new water ready to go before I tear the tank down. I know it won't happen in a few hours, but I know I can get it done in a single day. It may be a loooong day, but will only take one... hopefully. :D

[aquasport24]

Try not disrubt the sand bed too much.
Have penty of carbon on hand.
Have plan B ready just like mentioned above (it might takes days).
Have someone stand by ,that willing to lend some space from their tank.

[Rychek]

I'm planning on removing and replacing the sand with plain sand. My current sand bed is a mixture of different sands and one of them never should've gone back into a fish tank. I find random pieces of wire mesh in my sand from time to time and I know it's from the sand I used when I first setup my tank two years ago.

I have some carbon, so I should be ok on that count.

Plan B... I'll have to work on that. Barrowed space will be part of plan B.

[kkiel02]

Here is what I did with my overstocked 65 last month. Got a bunch of ice chests and filled them with the coral and fish. Took the rock and put it in my large rubbermaid tubs. I left the sand in the tank. Disassembled the tank and loaded it up. Then got here and reassembled as fast as possible. I lost one coral in the move but it wasn't looking good before the move so eh. I was going to use my hospital tank for the fish but being only 10g it didn't work out especially with the tangs. I put everything in that night.
I had some water made at the house as I knew not all the water would make it driving down ih35.

I was worried and planned alot but was actually easier/luckier than expected although that isn't saying much as of how worried I was.

[Purplebeladona]

:rofl::sarcastic::lauging::lauging:LOLLOLLOLLOL!!! !!

[Gseclipse02]

how long of a drive ?

[Rychek]

About a half hour. Going from NW Military & 410 to an area West of Tezel between Guilbeau and Culebra.

[Gseclipse02]

About a half hour. Going from NW Military & 410 to an area West of Tezel between Guilbeau and Culebra.


lots of reefers in that area

i would just be worried about how hot the drive may be

[SABOB]

Hopefully by October the temp won't be hovering around 100.....could be in the 90's. LOL!!!

[BIGBIRD123]

Ryan,
I have the MAAST cart and if on the weekend, would be glad to help. I have moved or helped move several tanks, including two this last weekend.

[Bill S]

We have lots of buckets and tubs you can borrow. Just let me know.

I'd just put the cost of sand into my moving costs. You'll be WAY ahead if you do that. Or, accumulate buckets of it over the next couple of months, and wash it real well. Add a bit of your old sand, and you should be fine. Skim like heck. Borrow an ozonizer.

[Rychek]

lots of reefers in that area

i would just be worried about how hot the drive may be

That is my main concern with the actual move of the tank. Hopefully the temps will be down in the low 90s or better by then. Yesterday was like that and it didn't feel half bad.



Ryan,
I have the MAAST cart and if on the weekend, would be glad to help. I have moved or helped move several tanks, including two this last weekend.

I don't know if I'll need the cart or not yet. I'll be sure to let everyone know when the time comes to move. I haven't worked all of the logistics yet, but I plan to move the tank on a Saturday if at all possible.



We have lots of buckets and tubs you can borrow. Just let me know.

I'd just put the cost of sand into my moving costs. You'll be WAY ahead if you do that. Or, accumulate buckets of it over the next couple of months, and wash it real well. Add a bit of your old sand, and you should be fine. Skim like heck. Borrow an ozonizer.

I may need to borrow some tubs. I'll let you know if that ends up being the case. I believe I'm set on the skimmer front with my Octopus NW-150. It works rather well. I'm a little leery of an ozonizer though. I'd have to do some research before I'd feel comfortable with trying one. I'll look into it.

[Roo&Lis]

I actually moved a tank just this past weekend from an apartment to a house. Wish this thread came a little earlier.:wink_smile: It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be but it was a lot of work. I think the biggest pain was cleaning up once I got to the new house. Lots of crap everywhere. Every thing survived the trip including the tank. When I was moving at the apartment I forgot the dolly so that made some things difficult. Good thing is that rubbermaid containers slide real well. I put my livestock in gallon size ziplocks and put them in a big cooler. They were put in the truck last. All in all, I'm pretty satisfied with how things turned out. Good luck!

[roscozman]

As Mike and Chris mentioned, My wife (Pennies2Cents) and I did a major move a few months ago. BigBird has an article in the latest newsletter on tank move and gives some good points. One of your best assets is that you are thinking of this now. Everyone has given great advice so far and I would take people up on their offers.

Based on our latest experience, here are a couple things that came to mind:
1. You can never have too many buckets or tubs and can return them soon after your done. We have two extra 32gal brute trash cans you can borrow and we live close to Culebra/Tezel.
2. I would definitely look to buy some replacement plumbing and bulkheads since these are delicate in the move. It will not hurt to even have these as back ups in case you don't need them. Also, know the size of you PVC/Tubing and have extra in case you plan on changing anything. As others will tell you, there is nothing more frustrating than needing a $2 part at midnight and no stores are open.
3. Use air stones and pumps in the water.
4. Get to know the local sponsors in your new area. Gabe and Jason from Gabes Fish were life savers. Jason was there to help lift the tank on the stand and help with some plumbing and Gabe helped us with our plumbing and broken bulkheads. Because these guys took time away from their business, I have to recommend Gabe Fish. Stop by and talk with them and let them know your plans. They can also offer some great advice.
5. Have a couple buddies help and take up fellow MAAST member on their offer to help as well. Also, have a couple of pizzas and beer/soda to show your appreciation. I will tell you we never met Stangchris before the day of our move. He showed up on time and was with us from 9am till 9pm. We also had some fellow MASST member help in the morning as well. This club has some great people and you will make great friends that share your passion.

[Rychek]

I'd like to thank everyone for the advice thus far. Ya'll have defenitely covered a few things that I wouldn't have thought of. I'll take any help I can get, but that can be arranged when I have a better idea of when the move will be. :)

[Kristy]

Ryan,
Shout if you need to borrow a powerhead or two. We upgraded from Koralias to Vortechs and haven't done anything with our old K3s and K4s.
-Kristy

[Rychek]

Ryan,
Shout if you need to borrow a powerhead or two. We upgraded from Koralias to Vortechs and haven't done anything with our old K3s and K4s.
-Kristy

Thanks Kristy! I'm sure I can put the pumps to good use during the move. I'll be in touch when the time draws near. We don't close for another month, so I've got some time yet. :)

[Rychek]

The move just got a whole lot easier and simpler. I'm taking at trip to visit Dustin21 in Killeen on Saturday to pick up my new tank. :D

The unexpected has happened and I'll be upgrading my tank, so setting up the 90 gal in the new house is no longer necessary. Now I can get the new tank setup and running for a week or so then move the rest of the rock and livestock in.

[Mr Cob]

The move just got a whole lot easier and simpler. I'm taking at trip to visit Dustin21 in Killeen on Saturday to pick up my new tank. :D

The unexpected has happened and I'll be upgrading my tank, so setting up the 90 gal in the new house is no longer necessary. Now I can get the new tank setup and running for a week or so then move the rest of the rock and livestock in.

Exactly what I'm doing. I've done the afore mentioned and I swore I would never do it again! Can't wait to see the new build thread.

Congrats on the new tank. Details...?

[Rychek]

Which details did you have in mind Rob? About all I can say at this point is that I'll be reusing my current T5 lighting, skimmer and pumps. The tank dimensions are 72"x24"x17". There isn't a whole lot more I can say that this point. I'm sure I'll have a lot to say on Saturday afternoon/evening when I have the tank here in SA.

[Mr Cob]

I wanted any details....I went to the for sale forum though and found your tank...LOL.

It's a Beaut! Gonna be awesome man!!!

[Rychek]

Okay, so my easy tank move just became more difficult. Due to the need to replace the carpet where I was going to put the tank, I won't be setting up the new tank until the carpet is replaced. This will not happen until I get my tax return next year. :(

Now that I'm back to having to setup the 90 I'm going to need to borrow some equipment.

Bill, may I borrow your tubs?

Kristy/Mike, are your koralias still available for temporary use?

I could definitely use some help moving the tank and livestock this Saturday (Oct 10th). It will only be the currently running system though. Everything else will already be moved. I'd like to start moving the tank around 3:00 PM (I'll be moving everything else in the morning from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM). Any help would be greatly appreciated. There will be food (not sure what kind yet, but we'll have something).

[Kristy]

We will dig out the powerheads and can probably come up with a good tub to use as well. May be able to come and help, will check on Mike's schedule and let you know. -Kristy

[Bill S]

You are welcome to all of our tubs.

210.663.8079

[txav8r]

I should be able to help if needed. Just keep me posted.

[Rychek]

Thanks everyone! I'll definitely keep ya'll posted.

[Rychek]

Thanks for the tubs and buckets Bill! They will help immensely.

[Rychek]

Alright, I've got keys to the house, the power and water are on and the carpet is clean. I hope to get the RO/DI moved over and hooked up so I can start making water like crazy tomorrow. I've got some stored already and plan to do some more tonight as well. I also plan to save as much from the tank as possible.

I'd like to get an approximate head count so I can plan accordingly. Move date/time is Saturday October 10th (2.5 days, but who's counting;) ) @ 3:00 PM. I would start sooner, but I'll be moving the rest of my stuff in the morning/early afternoon. TIA!

[4fun]

if you still need some help tub or what ever just shoot me a pm

[4fun]

I have 2 32 gallon trash can w/lid and wheels you can borrow as well
i use them last weeken they were a big help

[Rychek]

I can use all the help I can get. PM sent.

[corkyGramma]

...And civilians complain about fw maintenance:lauging:

[Rychek]

Indeed.

I'm getting ready to move the tank. I don't know if anyone is coming, but I could use any help I can get. The address is

Braesview Apartments
11501 Braesview #203, 78213

If you have any questions, call 913-5351 because I won't have a computer/internet at my apartment.

-Ryan

[Rychek]

Due to a conflict of time (kids needed to go to bed and we only have one car) my tank is sitting mostly dry in my apartment while my livestock lives in a 40 gal tank in my kitchen. :) Tomorrow is going to be a stinky day of cleaning the 90 gal, but my livestock is safe.

[Europhyllia]

Yay! Almost over... :)

[Rychek]

Yeah, the most stressful part is over. Now I have to do the hard part and actually move the tank. :)

[Europhyllia]

I remember schlepping my 125g from the truck to the dining room. Not fun. Hopefully that cart will help.
I can't imagine how people move anything bigger than a 125 - that thing was about as heavy as I could possible carry (half of).

[Rychek]

I'm not using a cart for this move. My wife and I can move this tank (it's a 90 gal) when it's not full of sand and base rock. I would use a cart, but there are too many stairs between the parking lot and my 1st story apartment. :(