Moving my 180 Reef to Indianapolis- Advice?

[esmithiii]

Title says it all... I will be moving next month so I need some advice on how to best keep my livestock alive during the move. The movers will take care of everything except the tank.

What kind of van/truck/trailer should I rent? How to keep the water temp down and how to aerate the water?

It is a 6 hour trip.

Ernie

 

[CAT]

Is the tank acrylic or glass? You'll need some help if it's glass :wink:

I only moved a 28 gal bowfront (the same distance) so I was able to leave the sand undisturbed. I used large coolers which kept the temp fairly stable and battery-operated air pumps.

I put each coral inside a margarine container to separate them and stop them banging around (the containers were all under water so there was lots of volume). I had a bunch of fake fabric plants and some pvc pipes in another cooler so I was able to put all the fish in together without them running into each other. I put the rock, covered with water in rubbermaid totes. I had lots of new water ready in the new place. I was able to set this tank back up that same night without any problems.

If you have a dsb, I don't think you can move such a large tank with the sand in it... My advice would be to save the first inch of sand and replace the rest. I wouldn't risk keeping the lower layers unless you have other tanks that will hold your critters in case of a bad spike.

Depending on how many containers you have, you'll need to find/rent a vehicle that will have a large enough bed to fit everything. I would use a van or small truck (something covered) rather than a pick-up for that distance.


Moving a tank is not fun (Root canal is probably easier). I'm in the same boat as you, I have move this tank again in a couple of months... (the reason I only have a 28 )

hth, and good luck

 

[Silkster]

Here is a bit of advice. PUll out your checkbook and write a balnk one for your favorite pet store. 8)

THis is one of the hardest things to do. Moving any tank any distance is a risky operation. If it is at all possible go to your new place and set up your ro/di unit with some rubbermaid garbage cans to get ready for the new setup. If you want to take your time and do it right then find a way to keep your corals and fish alive as suggested above.

Option Two. Kinda the same as above but as the wife to guy you a new tank to set up ahead of time so you can move stuff the same day. THat way you have 2 tanks.

anyhow good luck. HOpe the move goes well for you