How to replace a tank?

[hllb]

I am currently planning a new tank to replace my 32g biocube. I will probably order it this week, but it'll take 10-12 weeks to make. The new tank needs to sit in the same location as the old tank. So, looking for ideas on how to make that happen most easily. Current tank has quite few inhabitants, and full of coral. Not worried about the coral too much, but...the fish, shrimp, urchin, and RFA are more concerning.

At first I was thinking of putting fish and rock/coral in bins in the living room, tearing out old tank, setting up new one. I was hoping I could get the new tank set up same day, and put stuff back in the next day after things settle (I'll be doing a new sand bed, but using the same rock initially and adding a little more rock later). But then I was wondering if I could pull everything/most things out of the tank into a bin, then slide the tank down about 4 ft and put it all back in. That would potentially give me more time to get the new tank settled before putting things in.

When I set up my current tank, I used established live rock from my LFS, plus bottled bacteria, and didn't really have a cycle at all. I think I had one day where ammonia was raised, maybe 2, and that was it (never saw any nitrites at all). I'm hoping this will be the same. My current tank is 2 yrs old.

So, looking for any and all advice on how best to do this to get everyone safely transferred.

 

[Quietman]

Sounds like you're thinking right to me. One day is definitely possible (one long day). Since you have 32 gallon tank, draining almost all water out and moving short distance should work fine as well. I'd have bins standing by just in case, but you could pump out to bin, move tank a few feet and pump back in before anything is harmed. Then you have time with your new tank.

Since you're installing new - might recommend put the new on industrial casters. I have them and while they've only come in handy twice in 2 years - it's been worth the cost.

Good luck with the move.

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

Do you have the space for a large storage container? Something like this: https://www.acehardware.com/departm...DtrhDbIIS80AlsysFNkaAhtUEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I've seen a few people take everything out of their tank and then put everything in one of those containers. Your stuff will live in there indefinitely so you don't need to worry about speed when moving your stuff into your new tank. It took me about a month of having my new tank set up before I felt comfortable switching everything over. Maybe just have a couple of bottles of Dr. Tims available for 1) moving to the container and 2) putting everything into the new tank. It shouldn't be necessary but would help me sleep better.

 

[Gtinnel]

While it shouldn't be a big deal to take a 32 down and setup a new tank in one day I would definitely go with moving the 32 without much water and refiling it. That gives you all the time you need to get the new tank exactly how you want it without being rushed.

 

[hllb]

Sounds like you're thinking right to me. One day is definitely possible (one long day). Since you have 32 gallon tank, draining almost all water out and moving short distance should work fine as well. I'd have bins standing by just in case, but you could pump out to bin, move tank a few feet and pump back in before anything is harmed. Then you have time with your new tank.

Since you're installing new - might recommend put the new on industrial casters. I have them and while they've only come in handy twice in 2 years - it's been worth the cost.

Good luck with the move.

So you have casters on the tank permanently? Interesting. My tank is on hardwood, so probably not something I'd do on that surface. Previously, we had to move a 120g acrylic tank to put in new flooring. We drained it down, and moved it on wooden dowels, then moved it back. It was a long time ago so I don't remember how much we left in the tank. But moving an acrylic tank seems safer to me (whether that's realistic or not, not sure LOL).

 

[hllb]

Do you have the space for a large storage container? Something like this: https://www.acehardware.com/departm...DtrhDbIIS80AlsysFNkaAhtUEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I've seen a few people take everything out of their tank and then put everything in one of those containers. Your stuff will live in there indefinitely so you don't need to worry about speed when moving your stuff into your new tank. It took me about a month of having my new tank set up before I felt comfortable switching everything over. Maybe just have a couple of bottles of Dr. Tims available for 1) moving to the container and 2) putting everything into the new tank. It shouldn't be necessary but would help me sleep better.

I probably do, in my living room in front of the fireplace LOL. Not sure I'd want it there for a month though.

 

[Quietman]

So you have casters on the tank permanently? Interesting. My tank is on hardwood, so probably not something I'd do on that surface. Previously, we had to move a 120g acrylic tank to put in new flooring. We drained it down, and moved it on wooden dowels, then moved it back. It was a long time ago so I don't remember how much we left in the tank. But moving an acrylic tank seems safer to me (whether that's realistic or not, not sure LOL).

This is my setup (added 3/4 plywood support to RSR 170 and additional for casters). More in build thread. If more than 2 ft wide would've added center section. In 2 years, has not dropped or warped at all. Wrapped bottom in skirt. I won't have a tank without them (live in patio home with slab so limited room but good flooring everywhere).