Tips for moving

[Popeye]

I have a 55 gal mixed reef about 1 1/2 yrs old with 20 gal sump. I'm moving in less than 2 weeks. Any good suggestions, tips, or ideas to make this easy. Or any do or donts.

 

[steve&mari]

Plenty of tubs with lids for livestock. Plenty of water mixed up ready to go. Don't rush and get frustrated only adds to the stress of it. Labels help on cords ect for resetting up as you had it. Take pictures of everything as it is dt sump electrical ect. It helps when setting up again.

 

[kschweer]

Best tip I can give is to give yourself more time than you think you're going to need. I underestimated and wound up working on getting things finished at 3am.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Yup I'd plan on setting aside time for just the tank itself.

 

[melypr1985]

Take your time. Watch for ammonia. Get help if you can.

 

[dbl]

Although I don't have personal experience moving my own tank, I have helped others. From that, you'll likely need more tubs/containers than you originally planned. You won't want to fill them all the up to prevent splashing/leakage, therefore you will need extras. The more people/helpers the better. If you can dedicate a different day to move the tank than the day you're moving everything else you will be happy you did - takes a lot of pressure off you, your helpers, and your significant other if applicable! We saved about half the tank water and had at least enough water on hand to re-fill the tank without using the saved water - in other words, you need plenty of water, just in case. Plan ahead of time how you will manage getting things out of your current tank, in to which particular pre-labeled container(s), and back in to the tank at the new location. Lastly, know how you will secure your tubs/containers in what ever vehicle you're moving them in. You don't want them rolling around, tumbling over and spilling, etc.

This is all assuming you are moving locally and don't need to worry about water temperatures, aeration, etc. That's another can of worms.