Moving an established tank, HELP!!!

[shewolf]

I am very new to this hobby. I have helped my daughter with her 55 gallon reef and fish tank for the past 2 years and got hooked!

I just purchased a 120 gallon tank with a 20 gal sumb that is gorgeous and has been set up for 3 years. It currently is reef only. Apparently a few months ago, a pink and black cucumber managed to get into the pump from the refugerium (sp??) was ground up and killed all the fish in 30 minutes. The tank is FULL of soft corals, coreypods, tiny starfish, LITTLE things. There is 200 pounds of aconite sand. 185 pounds of rock that is covered with equisite corals of many kinds. The zoo's have gone nuts, as has the pulsing xenia, alot of the apitasia need to be weeded out, candy canes of two kinds, several mushrooms, branching corals. It is amazing!

I am overwhelmed with his set up and want to get these guys home with the minimum amount of die off! I will be transporting 150 miles in a closed cargo trailer. Using rubber maid garbage cans, large totes etc. Any advice is very much appreciated!!!! Thank you!

[charlie]

First off, I would expect the tank to cycle again after you move that sand bed. You are going to disturb the whole ecosystem of the tank when you move it anyways. I would almost say just take the top inch of the bed, and maybe toss the rest, and place new sand when you get it to it's final resting spot.

[Poseidon]

I agree with Charlie, take the top inch off and toss the rest. You WILL know why when you get under that top layer, the SMELL will surely make you sick! Good luck, get lots of blankets to wrap the rubbermaids in as well, either to keep the heat in or out as the case may be. Also I would get some battery operated air pumps to keep the water moving in the tubs. Work as quickly as possible, and do everything you can to make sure the temp does get to low, that is your #1 concern.

[dragonladylea]

I used the rubbermaid tubs also and made sure that the liverock with "critters" corals etc went into one tub and the just liverock went into another. then for the frags that I had I cut holes in the gladware containers put the frags in and put the lids back on that way they didnt get lost but can be moved in the same water etc.

[charlie]

I used the rubbermaid tubs also and made sure that the liverock with "critters" corals etc went into one tub and the just liverock went into another. then for the frags that I had I cut holes in the gladware containers put the frags in and put the lids back on that way they didnt get lost but can be moved in the same water etc.

Did you float the gladware containers? That is a good idea!!!!!!

[shewolf]

Thanks much, I really appreciate the advice. I am rather overwhelmed with the idea of getting this home safely and putting it all back together. TOTAL newbie!!!! I have always wanted a saltwater tank and have spent hours and hundreds of $$ on my daughters. It's WAY better than watching TV!!!!

How long should this cycle again and be set up before introducing fish into it again. It has been 6 months since the cucumber poisoning.

I have a feeling I am going to be spending ALOT of time in here! LOL!

[dragonladylea]

Did you float the gladware containers? That is a good idea!!!!!!

Charlie,
Actually I put the holes in the containers (about dime size) so they would still get water flow so the containers were completely submerged.

[charlie]

Thanks much, I really appreciate the advice. I am rather overwhelmed with the idea of getting this home safely and putting it all back together. TOTAL newbie!!!! I have always wanted a saltwater tank and have spent hours and hundreds of $$ on my daughters. It's WAY better than watching TV!!!!

How long should this cycle again and be set up before introducing fish into it again. It has been 6 months since the cucumber poisoning.

I have a feeling I am going to be spending ALOT of time in here! LOL!

You should be doing alot of reading!!!!!!
The cycle will probably last 2-4 weeks depending on how much die off you get during transportation. If you are careful, you shouldn't have to bad of a situation.
I wouldn't put fish back into it for at least 6 weeks, just to make sure, the key word here is gonna be patience, take your time, do some research and do it right the first time. That should save you alot down the road. And, there is always us around here.

[shewolf]

Reading is a VERY good thing and I have been doing ALOT. And getting more books on the marine reef and saltwater denizens. I have been perusing the various forums also. Everyone does things a bit differently, but all have good things to glean. I am taking the gladwear with me to use in the tubs, that seems like a really good idea. I have four battery operated aireators, wish me luck. I will let you all know what happens! Thanks! Will be asking alot more questions!

[rededteck]

I recently moved my 220 gallon 150 miles. I had mostly fish and some corals. I purchased air pumps and heaters to maintain the temp and at least keep the air in the water. I had them in rubbermaid container for 5 days and I lost only a brittle star. Corals are much more sensitive, you may lose some, but with the correct temp and aeration you should come away with minimal damage.

Be patient.... As one poster said you will go through another complete cycle... I did but it only lasted 3 days.

Let us know how you do and good luck!

PS if you had a good friend or a good pet shop you could possibly transfer them there a few at a time, move, and then transfer them back after your tank cycles.