Moving....where to even start

[AJsReef]

When I moved my 90 I had the same ability to set up my new tank before hand. Just having the tank filled and ready to go made a long day much easier. I moved livestock 4 hours in buckets no bubblers or heaters. No fish losses which was great

I second what was already said above don’t bring the substrate and keep LR wet. I precured a new batch of LR as I wanted a new start and had no issues. Was also much easier not moving the rock.

Honestly, it’s time consuming and physically draining as most of it’s heavy stuff but in reality it’s no a big deal for the livestock. Most of the fish we own have already experienced much worse in a less healthy state just getting to the LFS.

 

[nitrodude]

I see a lot of people saying to toss the sand. In a small tank like yours, where theres not much sand it may be worthwhile to you. Those of you with bigger tanks-that sand is EXPENSIVE. You can take it all out and put it in 5g buckets and wash it with a garden hose with no issues. The idea is you want to rinse it until the water runs clear while swishing the sand around. It's time consuming but beats paying hundreds in sand.

 

[Johniejumbo]

There is a water conditioner called Prime. It’s a good one to have on hand when moving tanks. It will neutralize ammonia and nitrite should you have a spike of it.

 

[MichaelReefer]

I see a lot of people saying to toss the sand. In a small tank like yours, where theres not much sand it may be worthwhile to you. Those of you with bigger tanks-that sand is EXPENSIVE. You can take it all out and put it in 5g buckets and wash it with a garden hose with no issues. The idea is you want to rinse it until the water runs clear while swishing the sand around. It's time consuming but beats paying hundreds in sand.

It's recommended to replace sand every few years anyways in a Salt Water, so it's a good opportunity to do it if you're due. Get rid of any detritus and so forth. You're already taking everything out anyways. Might as well spend the extra 30 minutes and remove it.

 

[nitrodude]

It's recommended to replace sand every few years anyways in a Salt Water, so it's a good opportunity to do it if you're due. Get rid of any detritus and so forth. You're already taking everything out anyways. Might as well spend the extra 30 minutes and remove it.

I agree-dont reuse the dirty sand-but theres no reason to replace it instead of just washing it. As I said-sand is expensive when you get into bigger tanks.
Once sand is washed it's good as new.

 

[W1ngz]

Moved my 75 about 3 years ago. I put myself in the role of project manager, running two teams with movers doing the majority of the move and friends moving the tank.

-Keep the rock submerged in tank water and you won't have any cycle event.
-Keep things small and manageable, even if it means lots of smaller (5gal) buckets or totes. Anything too big is bound to be too heavy and liable to tip, break or spill.
-Don't put fish in the same bucket as rock. (I squashed my flame angel )
-That 1/2" of water that is tempting to keep covering the sand in the tank - DON'T DO IT. It'll slosh back, forth and out of the tank like an ocean being lashed by a hurricane. Scoop out as much water and sand as you can into buckets.
-Protect the tanks. Cover them with moving blankets in case someone catches a doorknob on the way in. No rocks or gear inside them. One quick stop or swerve on the road could mean water and sand all over the interior of the vehicle (and a broken tank).

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I have a 125 gallon system, and I may be moving soon, too. The move will be about an hour away, but it really has me nervous!

I plan on some overlap time to help with the move, but I'm worried even if I order a new waterbox system, I won't be able to get it in time :/