Moving 350 Usg 0f Tanks

[jollysue]

I have my apartment. I plan to start moving some big stuff this weekend. I've been moving some small things--just throw some stuff in the car and drop off in the morning after work.

Whenever the bed gets moved I will start sleeping over there off and on.

The small Betta tanks aren't a problem, I don't think. I can reduce the water and move them as is. But the big tank especially concerns me. I chipped it right after I got it from stress--trying to make the filter fit when the tank was too close to the wall with water in it.

I think only the acrylic tanks am I comfortable moving with much water--maybe the 10 gal. with just enough to cover the fish across town to new water.

Inchworm said to use 10 usg tupperware.

 

[smithrc]

right - what is the size of the tank??

I'd bag and box the fish - then move the tank empty.

 

[jollysue]

The tanks are 3x3 usg, 2x5 usg, 2x10 usg, 1x12 usg, 1x20 usg, 1x25 usg, 2x40 usg, 1x60 usg, 1x100 usg.

I'm thinking that what inchworm did. use a few deep 10 usg Tupperware containers would be easier than individual bagging for a 20 minute drive. The 3 and 5 gal eclipses would travel well with their one lonely fish each (w/lowered water levels), don't you think?

 

[FishEnthusiast]

I agree that the tanks should be moved empty they are so heavy with even just a little water in them. I used a large tupperware container to move my fish when I moved last year. The smaller tanks will travel fine with lowered water levels as long as they are stable in the car as they are being moved.

Since the big tank is chipped I would completely drain it of water and possibly consider removing the substrate. I would want to reduce any possible stress factors just in case.

The 10-20G tanks can probably be moved with about 2" of water in them. I personally have not done this though, so take that advice with a grain of salt.

I would just make sure that the tanks are snug in the car/van/moving truck when they are being moved. If you are moving them with fish inside remove everything that could possibly hurt them during transport (you probably knew that already anyway).

I am thinking about moving soon and the thought of moving my tanks is a daunting one. I figure I will need one day to move all the furniture etc... and another just to move the tanks.

 

[nino]

I moved my ten gallon this year from my parents home to dorm room. I put all my betta girls and cories in a 3 gallon bucket with tank water and left about 2 or so inches of water in the tank, along with all the plants and gravel. Even though it had little water in it, it was still really heavy! I'm taking back the same tank this week for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and plan on doing the same thing. If you are going to be putting your fish into 10 gallon tupperwares, keep in mind that that much water is really heavy. If the fish are compatible enough and won't kill each other, I think you could "overstock" a smaller bucket for such a small ride. Maybe having lots of aged water at your new place would be a good idea too.

 

[smithrc]

the only thing i am worried about is putting all your bettas in together - if they will be ok together then put them in a large container.

when we moved, (about 7 months ago now) we had 6 tanks to move - we condensed the fish into 2 tanks (50gal and a 35gal) and moved them to our parents. we then had all the time in the world to move them to our new house.

we bought tupperwares and used polystirine boxes (from lfs) to keep them warm.

we didnt loose a single fish

make sure you keep any filters wet and get them running asap in their new position.

 

[jollysue]

Lots of good advice here. Thanks.

Most of the Betta boys are in small acrylics. I thought I would lower the water in those, and they would move well and easily. Good advise to keep them stablized.

The hundred gal. is the planted tank. It has a mother amazon which is two feet tall or something. I suppose I can use a bucket for all the plants. There is probably at least 60 lbs of substrate (3" in a 60" tank). I am debating the method of moving that. It would take several buckets. But I believe it is right to be careful to keep the stress factors as low at possible. The 60 usg is a very lightweight inexpensive tank. I think it and the 40 tall corner tank (a very heavy and ackward tank) should be drained, as well. I think the 40 long Sea Clear acrylic will travel with some water and the cories.

I will do my best to keep everything wet and cycled.

I'm not sure what to say about 300 gals of aged water. I think I will need to rely on water conditioners.