BigRedReefer MT
Active Member
I'm new to the hobbie and am purchasing a new home. I have yet to have to move my tank from it's position and not surprisingly really apprehensive about how this project is going to play out. I'm looking for some pointers on the methods that will make this project the easiest and safest on my corals and fish.
I've been planning this for the last two days since my offer was accepted and this is what I've come up with this far. If anybody sees something I've missed or think is a bad idea please feel free to let me know and explain why.
1. I don't want to shock everything by changing the water chemistry to much. My plan here is to mix 1/3 fresh water at the home and use 2/3 of the water from the tank. I will do this by packing 1/3 in buckets and keeping it heated and aerated at the new home. The remaining 1/3 will be used to transport the fish,cuc, and corals.
2. I figure a large tote would work to house the fish and cuc. The rock I will probably pack in the buckets with 1/3 of the old water. That leaves the corals in another tote. This part concerns me due to the potential for them to shift during the trip and touch each other. ;Nailbiting;Nailbiting Especially the hydnophora ( horn of death;Vamp). Should I bag each piece separating them and then put them in a tote with water to keep the temp stable and minimize movement?
3. The tank is not drilled and I am running HOB on everything so there is no sump or plumbing to disconnect.
4. To move the rock, fish and coral I can use my wife's SUV to keep things warm since it's getting cold here in Montana. The tank however will not fit so it's going to have to make the 10 mile trip either in the back of my truck or a small u-haul trailer. It will be easier to pick up and set down in my truck, but will the bio filter in my sand be able to live with the sudden drop in temp? Then, what's the best way to heat the tank back up without cracking or shattering it due to temp swings?
5. My light fixtures ( Chinese black box) are attached in a kinda janky way using closet rack brackets. There were no supports above where I placed the tank in the first place when it was a FOWLR with an aqueon sit on top led fixture. I don't want to put holes in the new walls but above where the tank will sit is a drop ceiling or heat ducts depending on it's chosen spot. Any ideas on a less damaging DIY mounting system would be appreciated. Keep in mind it's a rimmed tank with a wide top brace and the stand is really a sturdy oak coffee table.
If I've missed something please feel free to chime in. I'm jacked about the house but scared sh:+less about how to do this.
I've been planning this for the last two days since my offer was accepted and this is what I've come up with this far. If anybody sees something I've missed or think is a bad idea please feel free to let me know and explain why.
1. I don't want to shock everything by changing the water chemistry to much. My plan here is to mix 1/3 fresh water at the home and use 2/3 of the water from the tank. I will do this by packing 1/3 in buckets and keeping it heated and aerated at the new home. The remaining 1/3 will be used to transport the fish,cuc, and corals.
2. I figure a large tote would work to house the fish and cuc. The rock I will probably pack in the buckets with 1/3 of the old water. That leaves the corals in another tote. This part concerns me due to the potential for them to shift during the trip and touch each other. ;Nailbiting;Nailbiting Especially the hydnophora ( horn of death;Vamp). Should I bag each piece separating them and then put them in a tote with water to keep the temp stable and minimize movement?
3. The tank is not drilled and I am running HOB on everything so there is no sump or plumbing to disconnect.
4. To move the rock, fish and coral I can use my wife's SUV to keep things warm since it's getting cold here in Montana. The tank however will not fit so it's going to have to make the 10 mile trip either in the back of my truck or a small u-haul trailer. It will be easier to pick up and set down in my truck, but will the bio filter in my sand be able to live with the sudden drop in temp? Then, what's the best way to heat the tank back up without cracking or shattering it due to temp swings?
5. My light fixtures ( Chinese black box) are attached in a kinda janky way using closet rack brackets. There were no supports above where I placed the tank in the first place when it was a FOWLR with an aqueon sit on top led fixture. I don't want to put holes in the new walls but above where the tank will sit is a drop ceiling or heat ducts depending on it's chosen spot. Any ideas on a less damaging DIY mounting system would be appreciated. Keep in mind it's a rimmed tank with a wide top brace and the stand is really a sturdy oak coffee table.
If I've missed something please feel free to chime in. I'm jacked about the house but scared sh:+less about how to do this.
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