How to Move With Reef Tank?

[Harry g]

I’m moving at the end of the month from IL to UT, and I currently have a 20 gallon reef tank that’s been running for 4 months now, the trip would be across the span of 2 days and I would arrive in a hotel. Is there anyway to be able to keep my tank? This is what I currently have inside of it: 4 margarita, 4 Nassarius, 4 Astrea, 2 Trochus

1 black clown, 1 black storm clown, bangai cardinal, 1 gsp coral, 1 montipora frag, 1 yasha goby, 1 rbta, 1 candy cane kryptonite, 1 war coral, variety of zoas, 1 toadstool, 1 Kenya tree, 1 RFA, 1 Octospawn, 1 Hawaiian cleaner shrimp. Does anybody have experience moving like this? I’m 50 percent sure I’m going to have to sell everything off, but I would really like to keep all my fish, the corals not so much, but I do love my softies and LPS, any advice is welcome, TYIA.

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

I personally would start over especially since you have a young tank at 4 months. I’m sure there are plenty of others on this forum who can guide you in the right direction in moving a tank long distance.

 

[Harry g]

If anybody has advice I would greatly appreciate it

 

[dvgyfresh]

Buckets from Home Depot , battery operated air bubbles

 

[dwest]

20 gallons is pretty small. I think you can do it. As mentioned above many 5 gallon buckets and battery operated air pumps are your best friends. Separate fish from inverts from corals. I would not move sand. Keep rocks wet. Keep as much source water as possible, If temperature control is a problem overnight, (very likely in January) take stuff into your hotel room. Low 70’s would be my preferred temperatures.

Don’t feed the fish the day of the move or when moving.

You’d have to prioritize the tank setup when you arrive at the new place.

Starting new is easier but not necessary if you plan very well.