Moving A Nano Tank Across States

[SD36036]

Hello, in a few weeks I am relocating from Ohio to Florida and will have to transport my 20 gallon Nano tank down there with me.

The Tank itself isn’t too complicated:
- 2 clown fish
- 1 small crab
- 4 live rocks
- no corals

If anyone has advice for best way to transport this tank across states it would be greatly appreciated. It will be more of a 2 day trip and I’ll have to spend the night at a hotel about halfway through.

Specific questions I had was should I bag the fish, or do another method like put them in a bucket with some of the tank water? Obviously the main priority is keeping the fish alive and healthy.

How much of the tank water should I use to fill the buckets and should I fill some of the buckets with new water also?

How should I handle the sand in the tank when transporting?

When arriving to Florida and setup the tank again, how much of the old tank water (if any) should I put back in the tank and how much new/clean water should I put in?

Overall the tank hasn’t had many issues and I’ve had it running about 2 years now. Thanks for any input and help!

 

[TX_REEF]

I would put the rock and livestock together in whatever the largest rubbermaid container or bucket you can carry is. the live rock in with the livestock will provide bio filtration that is needed to keep everything happy while you travel.

Heat and flow is important. If you can get a battery-operated air pump and airstone, that will take care of the water movement, and I'd want to plug in the heater when stopping at your hotel.

For a 2-day trip, assuming you take care of water movement, you shouldn't need any water changes. When you set the tank back up, you can use new water in addition to whatever water is in your travel container. Just make sure the new water is brought up to appropriate temperature.

 

[SD36036]

I would put the rock and livestock together in whatever the largest rubbermaid container or bucket you can carry is. the live rock in with the livestock will provide bio filtration that is needed to keep everything happy while you travel.

Heat and flow is important. If you can get a battery-operated air pump and airstone, that will take care of the water movement, and I'd want to plug in the heater when stopping at your hotel.

For a 2-day trip, assuming you take care of water movement, you shouldn't need any water changes. When you set the tank back up, you can use new water in addition to whatever water is in your travel container. Just make sure the new water is brought up to appropriate temperature.

Thank you! Seems like most people say putting the fish in a bucket with proper heating/cooling is the way to go rather than bagging. I have an air pump so I will have to look into the airstone too

The sand is okay to just put in one of the buckets with the water then dump into the tank on arrival?

Also your opinion would it be best to put the clowns together in the same bucket? They are healthy but sometimes they get aggressive toward eachother.

 

[JTP424]

Like said above, buckets with bubblers and heaters for the fish.
The sand I would just scoop into another bucket and either buy new or rinse it clean at the new location.
Make new water at the new location rather than taking any with you.
Maybe keeping a 5 gallon full as a backup sealed would be helpful etc.

 

[Goofball310]

I'd put the fish and crab in a large fish bag with a decent amount of water, 60 hour heating pack, and in an insulated container. The rock can travel in a bucket with water. Don't let the heating pad lay directly against the bag or it will overheat.

 

[SD36036]

I'd put the fish and crab in a large fish bag with a decent amount of water, 60 hour heating pack, and in an insulated container. The rock can travel in a bucket with water. Don't let the heating pad lay directly against the bag or it will overheat.

Thanks all for the tips and advice. First post on this community and website. Definitely will be utilizing this more

 

[JTP424]

Thanks all for the tips and advice. First post on this community and website. Definitely will be utilizing this more

We're here to help!

 

[SD36036]

We're here to help!

Appreciated! Hopefully can update to a bigger tank this year once I’m down in Florida. Hoping for Peninsula style tank

 

[Goofball310]

Not sure where or when you'll be in Florida, but Reefapalooza will be in Orlando at the end of April.

https://reefapaloozashow.com/pages/...lUNm5bXyWps3lphiA2yhJNtuffs-Ad4oaAhLyEALw_wcB

 

[SD36036]

Not sure where or when you'll be in Florida, but Reefapalooza will be in Orlando at the end of April.

https://reefapaloozashow.com/pages/...lUNm5bXyWps3lphiA2yhJNtuffs-Ad4oaAhLyEALw_wcB

Thanks, will be in Sarasota area. Maybe I’ll make the drive and check this out