What to do if moving

[tmac1150]

I'm about to retire in the next 2 months, and I'm planning on building a real nice Salt water reef aquarium.
So much to do, so much time on my hands.

My problem. There's a possibility that we might move out of state to a retirement community.
I hate to wait, because this hobby takes time. And a decision can't be made until my wife is cleared from her medical issues.

The question: What to do with the fish and coral? I would think that livestock could be easily sold. I live in the DC metropolitan area,
so I'm not in the sticks. I'm just asking, so I can pull this trigger and start my build soon.
I've read people trying to move their livestock, and a lot of it, was not a happy ending.

Thanks, for any suggestions.

 

[BeejReef]

You have a tank already but are planning a dream build at your new location OR you're debating starting a tank now and wonder about the advisability of trying to move it?

 

[AlexG]

Moving tanks can be difficult over long distances but if you take the time to plan it out it can be done successfully. In part the size of the tank and the livestock you need to move will dictate how complicated it will be to move an aquarium system.

• How big of an aquarium are you planning to setup?
• Time is also another factor that can get in the way of a successful aquarium move.
  • Do you know how much time you would have for the move? (Days, Weeks, Months?)
• For a larger system the first question would be are you upgrading the tank when you move or keeping the same tank?
  • If you have the time and can setup a new tank in advance or move the existing tank in advance while putting the livestock in temporary holding tanks then it will be a lot easier on you and the livestock.

 

[AZMSGT]

2 options..
1. wait till after the move and start the build.
2. start buying equipment and hold off on assembling it all till after the move.

no way would I start a tank knowing if I was going to move in a year or so.

 

[Joe BBC]

First option - Ask your wife -lol

 

[BeejReef]

if you're hardcore, you could get started just rockscaping and curing and pre-cycling your rock in a feed bin or a small tank destined to become your sump... maybe even throw a refugium light over it to get the coraline going. That's really the timesink on a new tank anyhow. With that done, you could really hit the ground running once you've accompished your move.

 

[tmac1150]

You have a tank already but are planning a dream build at your new location OR you're debating starting a tank now and wonder about the advisability of trying to move it?

The latter. Debating about starting a new tank now (I have nothing now) and if I do, what to do if I have to move it.
My wife is waiting for the see you in a year, no new cancer growth. So some things are out of our control.

 

[Quietman]

Could start a smaller tank with low livestock load. Also make sure you get hardier livestock. You'll learn a lot in the next year that you would have to learn if you wait until after you move, plus you'd have seeded rock and very likely livestock that would have high survival chance (selecting carefully) with move.

I would also research tank moves and watch some of amateur and professional tank move videos. See where others have failed and make sure you plan for that move. If it doesn't happen, then you still have great starter for larger tank (if that's your wish).

 

[tmac1150]

Moving tanks can be difficult over long distances but if you take the time to plan it out it can be done successfully. In part the size of the tank and the livestock you need to move will dictate how complicated it will be to move an aquarium system.

• How big of an aquarium are you planning to setup?
• Time is also another factor that can get in the way of a successful aquarium move.
  • Do you know how much time you would have for the move? (Days, Weeks, Months?)
• For a larger system the first question would be are you upgrading the tank when you move or keeping the same tank?
  • If you have the time and can setup a new tank in advance or move the existing tank in advance while putting the livestock in temporary holding tanks then it will be a lot easier on you and the livestock.

I'm looking at the RedSea 625 XXL, 160 gallons. I would go slow with the livestock. Especially, I'm learning as I go.
How easy is it to put coral in a holding area? There's a lot of holding patterns to this potential move.
Next MRI is in 5 months, looking into where, is the home getting built. I would say, if we were moving, it would be within a year or two. Which is a long time. And I would hate to wait. I'm not getting any younger at 70.
Right now, I'm having fun researching what I would get.

 

[gdubs]

While the other members have given good advice, I would say if it could be a year or two before you move, just do what you want with your current location. Buy the 160 and set it up the way you want. If you do move, you can always sell your livestock to local reefers or your LFS. At that point you may want to sell everything and start over in your new home making changes based on you're experience with your 160.

 

[MichaelReefer]

I think moving is the worst part of having an aquarium, I had to move two tanks my last move, and will be moving when my lady and I get a house in a few years again. On a long trip you're probably better off selling everything and starting over. Luckily I only moved about 30 minutes from my old apartment.

 

[ScottieB]

if you're hardcore, you could get started just rockscaping and curing and pre-cycling your rock in a feed bin or a small tank destined to become your sump... maybe even throw a refugium light over it to get the coraline going. That's really the timesink on a new tank anyhow. With that done, you could really hit the ground running once you've accompished your move.

This would be a good idea, getting the rock up and cycled even its in a brute trash or small tank then your just moving wet rocks. Also Black Friday deals are right around the corner? Thats a good time to start putting the equipment together. Also start checking the "open box" and clearance section of BRS.

 

[AlexG]

I'm looking at the RedSea 625 XXL, 160 gallons. I would go slow with the livestock. Especially, I'm learning as I go.
How easy is it to put coral in a holding area? There's a lot of holding patterns to this potential move.
Next MRI is in 5 months, looking into where, is the home getting built. I would say, if we were moving, it would be within a year or two. Which is a long time. And I would hate to wait. I'm not getting any younger at 70.
Right now, I'm having fun researching what I would get.

I would say at 160 gallons I would move forward with getting your tank setup. That is a manageable size tank to move on your own or if you decide to an aquarium maintenance company can complete the move for you as well.

 

[Jfinn]

I'm looking at the RedSea 625 XXL, 160 gallons. I would go slow with the livestock. Especially, I'm learning as I go.
How easy is it to put coral in a holding area? There's a lot of holding patterns to this potential move.
Next MRI is in 5 months, looking into where, is the home getting built. I would say, if we were moving, it would be within a year or two. Which is a long time. And I would hate to wait. I'm not getting any younger at 70.
Right now, I'm having fun researching what I would get.

At 70? I’m waiting for nothing at that age if it’s an option. Get it - you will learn a ton in 1-2 years, nothing more valuable than knowing you need to go bigger!

 

[5altkreep]

My advice would be to start with a small tank now. 40 breeder is a great starting size, and wont break the bank. If you move, you'll have some good rock established, and a year or 2 of experience that will help tremendously on your upgrade.

 

[Mical]

The latter. Debating about starting a new tank now (I have nothing now) and if I do, what to do if I have to move it.
My wife is waiting for the see you in a year, no new cancer growth. So some things are out of our control.

I would hold off until the move. While waiting research, plan and gain all the knowledge you can. Moving is a pain and is stressful. I just moved two tanks and it was more stressful than the move itself. Remind yourself this is a hobby and your "better halfs" life is more important. Fish tanks, coral, fish, etc will always be there. Waiting is always the better option as things change & usually improve. Wishing you and your wife a successful move then a beautiful reef tank.

 

[Ashish Patel]

if your planning on moving in 2 months then just start collecting nice things for once your settled down. If you have 6-12 months then find something small that you can easily pack up when ready to move. I am moving next week and will be tearing down a 115gallon SPS and moving it 30 minutes away. I am dreading the thought of losing corals that I bought a 110gallon Vat and will make 200+ frags and transfer them to the Vat. I planned myself to have a 2 week window where I get the keys and have my apartment until end of month. Its not enough time given I have to renovate the first floor so everything is going permanently in the basement.

 

[tautog83]

You dont wanna move the tank , I promise you that . If your new to the hobby I suggest researching and getting a small tank to learn things . A lot of cool all in one options . It will work out because you'll buy an rodi filter and some other stuff that you'll be able to use in future . Maybe buy one radion and then down the road buy 2 or 3 more for next tank .