Tank Moving

[Burtie]

Hi,
A friend of mine is getting a new Marine tank and has kindly offered me his tropical one. Better give him a big-up I guess... Gav's fish forum journal
Thanks to same friend for introducing this fabulous community - I've been reading all the fantastic articles, information and journals.

Anyway I've got to move this tank from his house to mine. It's about 80 litres. I'm keeping the current filter, sand subtrate and fish. I've bought a heater (he needs his current one for his new tank). Opted for a Jager Aquarium Heater 75w which seemed to get good reviews and fitted the bill.

What is going to be the best way to transport the tank?
My concerns are of emptying the tank and not having a good environment for the fish to go back into after the move. My thoughts were to transfer the fish to a small tank with a clear bag lining it - so it can be tied for the journey. Transfer as much of the water as I can. Empty the rest from the tank. Move the tank. Don't clean the tank, filter or substrate; but get the original saved water back in it. Trying to keep all the nice bacteria. And monitor the levels carefully. Any help, suggestions or advice will be gratefully received!

Thanks,
Burtie

 

[thedc5]

Yep, Local fish shop get some bags for the fish to go in, they will show you how to tie the bags up if your not sure so you trap some air, keep the filters and substrate wet, I put the sand from my tank into rubble sacks to move it so you can also keep it wet and if you can save some tank water but its not critical to be honest, just get the tank up and running and get the filters hooked up and you should be fine most of the good stuff your trying to preserve is in the filters and substrate.

Good Luck & Enjoy!

 

[waterdrop]

Be sure to condition (chemical that detoxifies chlorine/chloramine) the water after you refill the tank in its new home, even if a significant fraction is the old water that you brought. Many here like Seachem Prime for this task better than the others as it will be more effecting at dealing with some of the ammonia that will be stirred up by all the disturbance of the substrate. I would dose the Prime at 1.5x or 2x what they tell you but not more than 2x. Be sure to have a good liquid-reagent based water test kit (many of us like and use the API Freshwater Master Test Kit) so you can test whether the move is causing any mini-spikes of ammonia or nitrite(NO2.) Take your time and be slow with the acclimation of the fish.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Burtie]

Wow - thanks for the speedy replies!
I shall definitely be keeping the substrate and filter moist and will look to get some Seachem Prime and an API Freshwater Master Test Kit. Am going to aquarium supplies specialist tomorrow so will look then. Undoubtedly the move, stirring everything up, is going to cause some chemical spikes. Caution is definitely the order of the day!

 

[waterdrop]

I believe I've seen it recommended that if you remove each type of media and let it submerge in a plastic bag of tank water with air in the top just as if you were transporting fish then the bacteria will actually receive more ammonia and oxygen via the jostling movement of the travel than if it were still packed tightly into the filter. You want the media submerged, not just moist, although of course the amount of care you need to put in to all this depends on the length of the trip. Bacteria will hardly blink at being without their running filter water for 5 hours or less, but as you go beyond that you begin losing a little bacteria and then more as time goes by.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Burtie]

That makes sense... mixing all the detritus is bound to release lots of ammonia. I'll be sure to pack it like the fish then. Ordered my Prime solution and API master test kit today. Looking at plants now. Will it be best to plant straight away or wait for things to settle?

 

[NinjaSmurf]

I usually put my fish in a tub of sorts with a lid for travel and keep the media in with the fish.

 

[gavyshake123]

Hey Burtie

This guy you got the tank off, must be a right legend!!!!!!!



G Funk xx

 

[waterdrop]

Dark helps calm fish during a move. Therefor closed insulated coolers are ideal. WD

 

[Burtie]

Hey Burtie
This guy you got the tank off, must be a right legend!!!!!!!

G Funk xx

Yep - he's an absolute legend. And I'm sure I'll be hassling him for lots of information and advice!

Dark helps calm fish during a move. Therefor closed insulated coolers are ideal. WD

Ah; that's a fantastic idea - I know exactly who I can borrow one off. Hopefully all ready for the move this weekend!