Winter move

[Saltbøtta]

Hello, and sorry if this has been asked before!

Unfortunately, I have to move my tank, in the middle of freezing january. Might be a 45 min- one hour drive. A bit nervous about it!

The plan is to put fish and corals in different buckets with lids and water from the tank, and start fresh with new sand. Do you think I will need to heat and aerate the buckets on the way? Might get down to -15 celsius. Any other moving tips appreciated.. It's a 20 gallon tank.

 

[blaxsun]

If you're able to secure any thermal or insulating containers for transporting the fish and coral that may end up being easier. You can individually bag everything (double bag), rubberband the bags closed and then pack in the containers. If you have an oxygen cylinder you can also inject O2 into the bags as well.

You shouldn't need anything for just transporting tank water and rock (only) in sealed buckets.

The LFS that I frequent typically sees people drive in from several hours away for fish and corals, and I know this is how they help them package up everything for transport back home. Best of luck with your move!

 

[Saltbøtta]

Individual bags and insulating containers sounds like a very good idea for the fish! I will look into that. Corals are more difficult since most of them have bonded with the rocks. Do you think they'll be okay in a large sealed container with plenty of water?

Thanks again for the tips!

 

[homer1475]

Corals would be fine in just water without air needed. Just keep an eye on the temp, that would be the only thing that could go wrong.

A battery powered heater(not even sure if they make one?) or an inverter plugged into the car to keep temps stable is all that would be needed.

My LFS is a 4 hour drive one way, I use an insulated cooler with a heat pack when going in the winter. Never had an issue yet.

 

[Saltbøtta]

Allright! I figure I'll keep the car heated, pack what I can in insulated containers, and hope for the best!