Moving my tank, A couple questions??

[Prismaco]

Ok, I am being forced to move out..didn't feel like paying an additional $100 a month...so I have a couple Q's...here we go:

Q: How do I transport the LS?? Do I just scoop it out into a bucket ??

Q: I wanted to add about 2-3 inches more of sand. Would my tank go through a mini-cycle ??

Q: Would it be safe to do a 50% RO/DI water change ?? If not, what percent ??

Q: Could I add my fish to a small holding tank while I setup my tank ??

Q: Also I wanted to stain my wood since it is still looks like plain old wood. How long would I have to wait for it to be save to add the canopy back on it??

Q: I know that I have to store my water and I plan on getting garbage cans from HD, but which ones ??

Good news though, I can finaly get rid of my damsel and get my custom 20gallon sump/refugium... Any advise or help would be greatly appriciate.



-Paul

[foobuddha]

Oh, moving tanks is the best fun...

This is a 30G right? Leave the sand as undisturbed in the tank as you can, cut a piece of plywood slightly larger than the tank footprint to carry it on. That will relieve the stress on the glass.

If you add more sand, you will possibly see a mini cycle, it depends on how well the established bed comes through the move. I wouldn't add 2-3 inches at once though, I'd put it in gradually over a couple of months (that's just me though).

Last time I did a real 'move' I changed out about 50% of the water, temp becomes an issue if you're moving more than a few miles away (both existing water and make up water).

As far as a holding tank, I've kept (hardy) fish in 5 gallon buckets overnight (with heater and powerhead) with no problem.

Get rubbermaid trashcans, they have strong handles

Don't know about the stain.

The only other advice is good friends who work for beer!

(I'm glad someone is getting rid of a damsel)

[CAT]

I wouldn't bother adding more sand if you're doing it for filtration. I set my 28gal up with 4 inches of sand only to discover afterward that there isn't enough sand surface area to help with bio-filtration anyway...

I moved my tank with the dsb in place and set it up again right away - no spike.

I bought cheap styrofoam coolers. Put each coral inside a plastic food container (cut down) so they wouldn't roll around then 1/2 filled the styro container with water. I put the fish in another styro container with fake fabric plants and pvc pipe so they'd stay calm. I also used a couple of battery operated air pumps because I had a long drive. I put the l.r. (covered with water) in a rubbermaid tote.

Keeping the water warm is something to keep in mind. If you have air pumps and heaters in the containers you could keep the stock happy for a couple of days if you had too.

Good luck. Moving a tank is up there with root canals as far as I'm concerned

[Prismaco]

Sounds like fun...seems like I will leave my LS alone. I think I have a large piece of wood some where. I will only have 2 fish so that sounds like it will be easy...oh yea and my crabs...Will keep you all informed....thanks...


-Paul

[Mkelly]

50 gallon garbage cns on dollies.



Anything and everything you ever need..

http://www.rubbermaidproducts.com/Me...2/merchant.mv?

[Prismaco]

That would make is so much easier...but I live up strairs...


-Paul

[Mkelly]

Stairs huh? Pishaw I saw. A minor detail..


Or maybe a couple of 2x12 planks if the trav-o-lator is a lil outta reach

[~Rookie Wookie~]

LOL! i wanna get one of those for my house... when i win the lottery that is.