Reverse build! How to efficiently tear down a tank for a move

[Rp8]

Well, as a life long service member, we move a lot. Recently received orders for our to our last unit before retirement. Mobile Alabama, which is great close to the bayou I call home in Louisiana, but if I hear “Roll Tide” to much I may set something on fire!(DISCLAIMER: Sarcasm)

To the point:
We move a lot. I have used the same equipment and moved the tank across the country.
I am a bargain shopper and the equipment I have, for the most part, have exceeded the expected lifespan.
So this ‘reverse’ build will be a complete tear down and prep for the move. The move is in June. So I am not In a rush.
Scope of project:
Transport or sale livestock
Clean/prep/storage live rock
Equipment & Tank cleaning/prep

The goal is to have a like new tank ready to start. I will include ways to jumpstart the set up traveling with current bacteria

Tank set up: Oceanic 120 gal
Trigger sump
Simplicity skimmer and return pump
T5s and LEDs
80# live rock
Lots of verts and inverts
Corals too!

Quick shout out! Had lots of help from
Lisa at Ocean Realms
And Dave at Aquamans Coral cave!
Thanks for everything!

 

[blaxsun]

You're a braver person than I...

 

[Rmckoy]

I’ve done the move and transfer too many times to dread this thought

personally if I were to ever do it again I will completely restart everything except for rocks .

moving the tank is back breaking and the rush of trying to setup everything and get them out of storage totes stresses me far more than it’s worth .

 

[Rp8]

I’ve done the move and transfer too many times to dread this thought

personally if I were to ever do it again I will completely restart everything except for rocks .

moving the tank is back breaking and the rush of trying to setup everything and get them out of storage totes stresses me far more than it’s worth .

I can agree. That is what I have done in the past. I have also shipped choice pieces to my new location and picked them up when I got there.
Rocks are always bleached and usually I trade pound for pound to seed my tank.
Just have to find people who wanna help and not make it all about $$

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

I've moved whole systems a few more times than I'd like. So long as you plan well in advance, it can be a relatively low stress thing.

 

[Rp8]

(Deep Breath)
Ok, so here we go. First step, decide whether or not you’re keeping everything or selling everything.
So for this move I will be selling all livestock and corals. It’s easier for me. We try to make these moves comfortable and fun. Less stress no rush etc.
Posted everything on fb spoke to local shops, they will find a home.
Pulled out half the work to start soaking. I’ll soak half for 2wks then air dry for 2wks. Once we are settled in the next house I will soak additional 2wks conducting WC til I get zero on chlorine test. Half of the rock is out.

Next will be cleaning it up!