Moving tank tops and tricks

[jonbark]

Looking for tips or tricks in moving tank over for new tank.

Currently have a RedSea XL425 with probably 70-80 lbs of sand and another 80-90lbs of rock. Looking to move it over 4-5 feet to bring in new tank and have the RedSea up and running till the new tank is cycled. Flooring hardwood and looking for advice on best way to move or if anyone has had to move a RedSea with the small rubber feet.

 

[gentlefish]

Can not comment on this particular. The Miele washing machine can be moved by squirting dishwasher under the rubber feet. Got the advice from the plumber.

 

[John08007]

I was just researching this, there are many threads on transferring tanks, I will sum it up for you, super simple and cycle free.

You need to remove all the rock without disturbing the sand. Drain tank down. Remove all sand, you need to clean the sand many many times to remove all the detritus. Put rock into new tank with new water. After you have cleaned the sand many times put it into the new tank.

Articles said all the bio filter that you need is in your rock. The problem arises when you put dirty sand into the tank, the detritus breaking down causing a cycle to occur. By cleaning it thoroughly you prevent this.

I would say get some Rubbermaid tubs half full of new saltwater, correct temp. Put rock into them with powerhead for water movement. Then drain out tank and sand. Remove old tank. Put it back together.

 

[mrtian97]

I am in similar situation, need to move Redsea reefer 350 (70 gallon) by 10ft to redo the flooring, then move it back about couple wks later.
Thinking of using the rubbermaid to house the rocks and setup my 20 gallon for the fish (only 4 fish). Maybe not setup the tank itself until The floor is done? I have this tank setup for 5 yrs so I also like to give it a good clean up, lots of calcium build up in the sump.
welcome suggestions

 

[tritonpower]

I moved a 60 gallon to make room for my reefer 425. see my build thread. I used rubbermaid totes with heaters and wavemakers for the corals and rocks. 20 gallons was enough to leave all my fish in the tank. I lost no fish and no corals. I had to get it down to about 20 gallons to make it light enough to move. That will be tough with the 425. Doable with the 350 though. I used sliding furniture movers. Not sure if you would need to put one under each of those little feet under the reefers. That would be fun!