Moving a 30g FOWLR

[jps1981]

I've read many guides on moving marine setups, but it seems they all have more delicate lifeforms in them. I deliberately stuck to fish only to keep things simple for anticipated move. I am looking for advice in moving them, and where I can cut corners since my system is a little more hardy. The travel distance is also less than 40 miles. My main concern is preventing a cycle and being prepared well in advance.

My wife is concerned about it so I want her to know there's a plan in place and that everything will be fine, even if it is 8 months away. That allows me more flexibility and spending with less dirty looks.

This is a 30g FOWLR tank (40lb rock, 40lb sand), no sump, with a percula clownfish, watchman goby, green reef chronis, and pajama cardinal (4 total fish). Nothing too delicate nor expensive (but I'd prefer they not die, regardless). The tank contents will be moved into a new 47g column at the destination.

From what I gather, putting the live rock in paint buckets and keeping them wet will keep them safe. Do they need to be heated and aerated during the move?

I read to keep fish separated from each other (not sure why, especially if they're all small and peaceful). I am guessing all I will need with them is heat and aeration? What kinds of portable heat and aeration are common in the trade? Would they even be necessary for, say, 4 hours in an insulated cooler? I have heat packs for all my reptiles.

I read to use as much of the old water as possible and keep just as much new saltwater on hand because 'you never know.'

The sand ... I would like to redo the sand. I'm not happy with it. The bed is around 2", and I don't have any burrowers. Should I keep a a few cups of the old live sand for seeding, or just start over from scratch? I'm sure I can eliminate the dust storms I get right now if I could just start over.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Picture is the tank fnishing stage 3 of the cycling, and just having to be torn down to get that dang yellow tail damsel out of there. Seriously, guys, I was about ready to just throw a toaster in there. I spent 4 hours trying to catch it before breaking down and pulling the rocks out.

 

[MrDJeep123]

I've read many guides on moving marine setups, but it seems they all have more delicate lifeforms in them. I deliberately stuck to fish only to keep things simple for anticipated move. I am looking for advice in moving them, and where I can cut corners since my system is a little more hardy. The travel distance is also less than 40 miles. My main concern is preventing a cycle and being prepared well in advance.

About the only way to not have a cycle is have the tank set up in the new place well in advance. I mean months. In my experience, it's inevitable to have a small cycle while everything gets re-establish. You can aid this by adding bacteria, microbacter 7 is a good choice. Definitely keep some sand from the move and add to the new so that establishment of bacteria can help. There may be others to chime in with their methods.

My wife is concerned about it so I want her to know there's a plan in place and that everything will be fine, even if it is 8 months away. That allows me more flexibility and spending with less dirty looks.

This is a 30g FOWLR tank (40lb rock, 40lb sand), no sump, with a percula clownfish, watchman goby, green reef chronis, and pajama cardinal (4 total fish). Nothing too delicate nor expensive (but I'd prefer they not die, regardless). The tank contents will be moved into a new 47g column at the destination.

Take your time, don't stress them more than you have to and you should be ok.

From what I gather, putting the live rock in paint buckets and keeping them wet will keep them safe. Do they need to be heated and aerated during the move?

No, you do not need to do so. Just keep the LR wet/damp.

I read to keep fish separated from each other (not sure why, especially if they're all small and peaceful). I am guessing all I will need with them is heat and aeration? What kinds of portable heat and aeration are common in the trade? Would they even be necessary for, say, 4 hours in an insulated cooler? I have heat packs for all my reptiles.

The reason to do this is to cut down on overall waste buildup. Short distances shouldn't have the need for heating and aeration. More than 12 hours I would consider something.

I read to use as much of the old water as possible and keep just as much new saltwater on hand because 'you never know.'

The sand ... I would like to redo the sand. I'm not happy with it. The bed is around 2", and I don't have any burrowers. Should I keep a a few cups of the old live sand for seeding, or just start over from scratch? I'm sure I can eliminate the dust storms I get right now if I could just start over.

Keep some old sand if you plan on doing new sand. If you do get new sand, rinse it so that it will cut down on cloudiness.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Picture is the tank fnishing stage 3 of the cycling, and just having to be torn down to get that **** yellow tail damsel out of there. Seriously, guys, I was about ready to just throw a toaster in there. I spent 4 hours trying to catch it before breaking down and pulling the rocks out.

...

 

[Rattooth]

It is possible to move tank without cycling.
I have done it just so painters , carpenters etc. could get behind tank during home remodel.
Peaceful fish do NOT need separation . The sand is the largest potential problem . Some people think sulfur can come from unoxygenated parts of sand. If planning to redo sand , just save a handful to seed new tank. When rock is out of water, bacteria will start to die . Keep as much rock as possible submersed. Or cover with wet news paper. You can use fresh mixed water for 50% or more? At new location . Fish are hardy. Dealers ship all over the world, mostly with out problem . No need to agitate water with pump for short move.
That being said other alternatives could be better. If you can have access to both locations, cycle tank with half of rock and a little sand.
Or fish will do fine in friends sump , until you cycle tank. You have a great excuse to add extra or larger tank.
Dying bacteria on exposed rock = Ammonia
If rock is not exposed to air except briefly , it is like remodeling tank.
In my case it was two moves . Move 200 galleon tank away from wall ,set up.
Then wait a week for remodelers to finish work. Then move back against wall.