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Ideas on a smooth tank move.

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Nemesis, Jun 22, 2012.

  1. Jun 22, 2012 #1
    Nemesis

    Nemesis Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Ok, moved the house now we need to move the tank. I know jokes fly over the size of my nano but it usually wouldn't be a problem but I think its a special case. It is bottom centered drilled  and the rock formations were built around the overflow . I think its pretty stable to move out and put in a large 29 qt tupperware that matches the height of the rock. Many of the corals are permanently attached to the rock . 
    My question is the sand at the bottom. What do I do with or to it? I know that moving it disturbs the bacteria and nitrate cycle  so when I put it all in the tank I might get a cycle. So what do you guys  suggest on the sand?  Rinse in salt water?
    Its a 7 gallon tank with a 5 gallon sump and a 2 gallon protein skimmer cpr on the back. Possibly 12 gallons after water  displacement. I have to move less than mile . Since we have a new house I get to start putting up my 90 gallon in a couple weeks.
    Thanks for any help guys
     
  2. Jun 22, 2012 #2
    Waverz

    Waverz Expert Reefkeeper

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    I've tried moving a small tank and reusing the sand. I think once you get most of the water out and get a smell of it you'll decide to get new sand. Mine was rank!

    I would never re use sand but that's just my IMO. Interested on hearing other opinions though.
     
  3. Jun 22, 2012 #3
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    Drain down some water into buckets, throw it in the car, and get it in the new place, then refill. I bet your corals would be fine without water for that short of a move. Just try not to stir up the sand too much. And have plenty of water ready for some water changes if problems arise.
     
  4. Jun 22, 2012 #4
    Lee

    Lee Experienced Reefkeeper

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    I second that - Just siphon the water into a few buckets (leave a couple inches of water over the sand so the fish can stay wet). Carry into the new spot and add the water back. I've done this with longer moves with no problems. If your corals are healthy, they should be fine out of the water for 15 minutes. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have some new saltwater mixed up and ready to go ahead of time as you may want to syphon some of the dirty water out after the move. Most likely the sand will get a little stirred up from the water sloshing around.
     
  5. Jun 22, 2012 #5
    mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    Nothing like getting a nice clean pest free sand bed.
     
  6. Jun 23, 2012 #6
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

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    You could also wash out the sand as if it were new sand using the hose and bucket. IMO that's the same as using new sand
     
  7. Jun 23, 2012 #7
    erayk1 Coralville, IA

    erayk1 Well-Known ReefKeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

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    Three 5 gallon buckets?? :)
     
  8. Jun 24, 2012 #8
    Nemesis

    Nemesis Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Ok, I got it moved and yes the sand stunk so bad .I tried rinsing it but it still smelled awful. So its bare bottom right now. Hopefully in the next couple months i will get the 90 up and running. Thanks for the advice guys.
     
  9. Jul 1, 2012 #9
    Eric West Des Moines, IA

    Eric Experienced Reefkeeper

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    You tossed out the sand?
    When I moved a 75g in the past I've moved the sand both in the tank and in buckets (to save weight) and didn't have issues.
    At the beginning of June I moved my 72g twice in 7 days, removing the 100 pounds of sand both times to save weight.  Tank had been un-disturbed since March 2009 and everything went fine.  Little diatom outbreak that lased a few days and a water change 2 days after setting up - no issues.
    Something to consider in the future.
    -Eric
     

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