How should I move my fish tank?

[im_a_piranha]

Moving
I am moving this weekend and though I have read some readings, I'd like to know what you guys think

I have a 12 gallon nano with 2 fishies, rocks, and maybe about 4 corals in it (it is fairly new, about 5 months old). I knew I was moving and so I didn't stick it with a whole lot of stuff in it because I didn't want it to be a pain. I am moving about 4-5 miles away and so what is the best and most efficient way of moving the tank? I was thinking that I'd put the fish in individual little baggies (clean of course!) and I will do the same with the
corals as well. I will empty out most of the water but was thinking that I'd leave the sand inside with a little water and transport it as fast as I can. What do you think? When I put everything back inside, I am also going to change 30% of the water with salt-water pre-mix and some fresh water to top it off.

Please let me know what you think, thanks so much!

[crvz]

That should work out pretty well. One thing to consider instead of bagging the fish is to get two 5 gallon buckets with lids (or old salt buckets, but I doubt you buy salt in bulk for a 12 gallon nano!). I think you can get them at home depot for about 5 bucks. What I've done is just put the fish in one bucket, filled about 75-80%, then the rocks/corals in the other. This will help the water conditions as you'll have more volume, but on such a short move that may be a non-starter.

Leaving a little water to cover the sand is a good idea on a 12 gallon tank, so I wouldnt hesitate doing that. Anything larger and I'd start to question it, as it's pretty easy to overload a glass tank (I'm assuming it's glass) to the point of structural failure. If it's acrylic, you've got a lot more forgiveness in the material stength.

I think you'll be fine, though. This move should be nothing compared to how the fish made it to you in the first place! They went days in little bags and made it, so as long as your smart (make sure all the water is same temp/salinity/pH when you put it back together), you'll be fine.

[Geoff]

keeping the sand is not worth it. i would just get new sand. the chances of you transporting the sand without killing most of it is pretty slim. better to just start with fresh dry sand.

G~