moving to florida

[chrispmcgill]

So I have two options...either sell everything or attempt to transport everything. Looks like the move will be either in September or August so I have some time to figure it out. Anyone ever attempt to move their whole setup 1000+ miles? Would it even be possible or worth the trouble?

[hobogato]

talk to marcus (tiger_eye), he moved his tank and livestock here from pretty far if i remember correctly

[Mike]

tiger_eyed1, Marcus moved here from Florida so he might be able to give you specific pointers. He might also be able to recommend some cool stores or things to check out.

[alton]

Wait till October when everything cools off?

[tiger_eyed1]

It all depend on what you have, and what part of FL you are moving to.
IMO, yes, it is worth taking 100% of your equipment. Even if you get new stuff there, its better to have than not have when you get there.

Get some 55g barrels with lids for your rock. Don't try to keep it alive, it won't make it unless you are going tank to tank, have filters and chiller on it the whole trip. Rock will cook in the back of a moving truck. I picked all the corals off my rock, let it dry, the packed it in 3 barrels.


If you like your fish at all, keep them. If you have a good relationship with any of the LFS down here that ship fish, see if they will hold and ship the fish to you when you are ready. I'm sure one of our sponsors would help out. My LFS in FL kept my fish for a month till my tank was cycled. Shipped them to me at cost + the box. I left them some food and gave them a few corals to sale.


Corals I'm 50/50 on. Unless you have some corals that would cost you $$$ to replace, i'd sale all of them. Shipping my corals cost me 2x what it would have cost to replace them. :( I know better now. You will have a 10X better selection of corals and options in FL. One of the main wholesale hubs is in Miami. There are more hubs in Boca and Tampa so you are pretty covered on options.

How big is your tank? Are you using movers or moving yourself? Depending on the size, you will want to build (or have one built) a crate for the shipping. Shippers insurance will not cover aquariums. Crate will ensure it will make it.

You will need to cycle your tank(s) so no need to try and keep sand. Just start with fresh sand bed and get some seeded sand from your new club.

Speaking of club, do your research now. The club in Miami is huge. 75-100 people show up to the monthly meetings. Clubs in all the other major cities are also pretty big. Make some contacts now, join the local club. Make some friend, post the status of your move with them. 99% of reefers are friendly and will want to help. The other 1% just tell you that you are crazy for moving across country. You may find a store or club board member that will hold your livestock, seed your rock till you are ready.

Thanks,
Marcus

[ErikH]

Just logged in and saw that tiger_eyed1 replied to this thread. Awesome.

I'd say sell everything but your equipment. Move in, add salt, dry rock and go.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

What are you thinking of moving?

temperatures will affect the seals on big tanks and you need to cushion it for bumps, etc . . .

[chrispmcgill]

wow thanks for all the information. I am going to go ahead and sell everything but a few pieces of equipment. I don't have anything that I could not replace once I get there. Thanks for everyone's input.

tiger_eyed1, I will be moving to the Tampa bay area. From what I have found...it looks like their primary board is on reef central. Thanks for all your information.