My documentation of moving 3 tanks successfully

[djconn]

Hey guys,
I decided to take a few pics to document my move from Houston to San Antonio a few weeks ago. I have to admit, I was very nervous and thought I would have a few casualities. As it was, I didn't lose one single coral. My fish, hermits, shrimp and snails all made it as well.

The key was to take my time and plan ahead. It took a little longer than expected but probably went smoother than I had expected. I moved my 2.5 one week then my 5.5 and 20 gallon the next week at the same time. I would probably suggest doing one tank at a time if possible. That was not an option for me thought so I did them both the same day.

I thought this post might be useful if somebody just wanted to see how someone else moved their tanks. Here are the pics:

Here is the 5.5 about half way done.

I used some freshly-made SW and put each individual coral in a ziplock baggie and then into a cooler/box.

Here is all the live rock. Rubble was put into a ziplock. Everything was transported by the bucket with just enough water to cover the rock.

The actual tank was left with about half and inch of water covering the sand to keep it moist.

Heres the 20 gal ready to be broken down.

I had everything out except the big hammer at this point. I had to use three coolers.

I hadn't moved the hammer in 2.5 years so I thought it might be attached to either of those rocks.

Sure enough, it was attached to that big piece of rock.

It actually wasn't attached very much and sort of broke/fell off when I wiggled it which was better for transport.

That is one really packed van

Tank and coolers went in the front.

 

[dragon79]

First off, it's definitely recommended this post becomes a sticky.
2nd everything looks clean and professionally done.

Only thing I am wondering is that electrical outlet situation. Looks like a million things going through that thing to another, and to another.....reminds me of a chevy chase movie or the simpsons cartoon, hehe. Where's the power strip? Hope my eyes are deceiving me bro and that's really some fancy thing I'm unaware about

 

[djconn]

Hahaha...yeah, basically I had to put a splitter onto my digital timer b/c I could only fit one ballast plug on at a time. So I only had two things plugged into that one timer.

Everything else was plugged into that wall-mounted surge protector. I also had another power strip with the setup that was taken apart by that point in my move.

 

[YMCA]

Wow i lost things wen i moved from one side of room to next lol well done

 

[Abarnswell]

Wow, what an awesome setup! Well done! And THANK YOU for documenting all this. I'm getting ready to do some tank moving (although within the same house) and this give me confidence to try it. Your diary of the move is wonderful. Thanks for sharing it!

 

[drty811]

well done.....reminds me of my move. all tank stuff up front in my pick up and the rest out in the bed.lol

 

[scorpio_msn]

Wow...good job. Do you think the same packing technique (zip loc bags, cooler, box) would work for shipping? I have to move from TX to DC in a few months, and I'm trying to think ahead.

 

[Phischy]

I recently moved my tank as well, 40gal. Took a lot of time to break it down, but I was just skipping across town, not city to city or coast to coast. However, I have moved from TX to DC before. My LR & Fish made it in the back of a U-haul in 5 gallon buckets. At night I'd bring them in and turn a heater on and a skimmer, otherwise they just sat for the ride. Corals will be a different issue.

I could suggest bringing a 5gal bucket w/ SW, and store all your corals in baggies in coolers. When you stop for the night, put the corals into the bucket w/ heater and skimmer to airate and clean the water, then bag them up for the next day. Pain in the butt but if you're going to take more than 24hrs it may be necessairy.

I think it took me 3 days to get from TX to DC. Although I can only really remember crashing somewhere in Tennessie. That's a LONG state by the way.