Another Complication

[sandy]

I know, I know. And most have you have been VERY patient and have saved the lives the critters of this newbie... BUT... My roommate was laid off and needs an office... which in this pinch happens to be the bedroom. (where the fish are)... So I need to move. I WILL WAIT if that is the overall advice. She can have an office with a fishtank if need be. But I'd rather move it where I can keep a close eye, enjoy, etc.
The LFS guy told me that as long as everything stays wet, and is moved within an hour (like the LR, invererts and fish go into the 20 gal (which has aged sea water cycled through a whisper w/ carbon). Drain out nearly all of the water, leaving some to cover the sand. Move the tank and set it back up within an hour. Whadda ya think?
Info: Tank cycling (slightly) Ammonia is zero. Nitrites are below 0.25. Nitrates are between zero and 20. See signature for critters and specs.
Sandy

 

[jonthefb]

i think the lfs is pretty correct on this one, but any time you move a tank your fish are gonna be stressed. As long as you arent going a long distance they should be fine. I would drain as much of the water as you can into buckets, leaving just enough to cover the sandbed, put all the fish and inverts into your other tank. Take the LR out and wrap it in newspaper soaked in your tanks saltwater, make the move, set the rock back up, add the water again, and finally, but only after temp is stable the fish. You might want to keep an eye on the tep of the water in buckets to begin with as they will lose temp quickly, you might have to put a few heaters in the buckets with th ewater. thats just what i would do though, if you did in fact want to move the tank. If not leave it and try to enjoy it as much as you can. Lets see what everyone else says about this one!
goodluck
jon

 

[whipple]

If you can do it all with in an hour you will have no problem But on the rock just leave it in buckets of water and if you can leave a power head in it and even the heater if possible

[hr]
Bill

 

[michaeltx]

I have moved tanks in this way many many times the only real problem is that when you go to move that tank be careful and get some help the added weight the substrate adds well be substantial also be careful not to jar the tank a lot the added pressure can crack or damaged if it shifts wrong (trust me it aint pretty when it happens).
just keep everything wet and keep an eye on everything and it should be just fine..
Good luck
Michael

 

[daluminum]

Pick it up.. move it... set it down.. no problem.. I moved my 540 gallon like this.. my back hurts a little bit.. but the tank looks great..
nah.. you seem to have a good plan.. but personally I would get rid of the roomate.. there are a million unemployed people out there than want to be a roomate.. and dont need an an office..