Moving a Lg. Tank, 3 month delay

rnanfito

New Member
I was planning on putting a large in-wall tank in my new home when I move in April. Well, I just came across a great deal on an in-wall setup in the newspaper. Went to see it, and bought the deal of the century. Even though the timing wasn't right, I couldn't resist. It was a complete "dream" setup - 2 year old 180 gal Oceanic tank, sump with external pump, skimmer, 3xMH and 4xPC lights, 200+ lbs. live rock, and lots of great live sand. Probably $4000 worth of stuff - for $1000. I couldn't refuse that deal. I think the new tank alone would be $800+.
Now, the issues. I need to move it next week, and my new house isn't done for another 10 weeks! I'd appreciate advice on what to do with the sand and live rock to maintain it in the interim. I don't want to set it up twice (actually, I can't due to temporary space constraints).
The guy I bought it from turned off his lights for a few weeks or something, which has made his beautiful live rock white. Not sure why he did that, but it is what it is. I have seen before that live rock can come back quickly with some good corraline seeding techniques and the proper lighting. Should I be worried about that? Even if everything on it is dead, it can come back over time with the addition of some good new live rock, right?
My brother happens to have a 75-gal up and running, with nothing in it (that's a long story). I think I can jam as much of the live-but-white rock in there, along with the sand. This should maintain the current situation until I can set up at the new house.
Does anyone have any other advice about this move? I'd like to know if I am missing something, or if this is indeed the Deal of the Century!
Responses greatly appreciated!
 

blazehok68

Active Member
what about setting up rubbermaid totes w lighting powerheads and a couple of heaters. do u have any room to do this?
 

saltymom

Member
When we moved our 180 to our new house I went to the farm supply store and bought 2-100 gal plastic horse troughs. Then I strapped them in a buddy of mines inclosed trailer and pumped about 90 gal of water out of my tank in each one. Put all my rocks and coral in one and all my fish and inverts in the other for the move. Once we got to the new house I ran an extension cord out to it and through a couple of power heads for some circulation and laid my 96x2 pc over them till I got the tank ready to put it all back in. Somehow with some hoping and alot of praying the only thing I lost was my arrow crab. :happyfish
 

randy 13

Member
If you don't have room for a rubbermaid container for your rock and you don't have a friend or relative with room for it...
1. A LFS or local aquarium maintenance company might "board" it for you.
2. I believe there are some storage units that have electricity in them so you could set it up in there until you are ready to move.
Is the tank reef ready? Locally, (at the small aquarium shops) they are selling for a little over $1000 new.
 

rnanfito

New Member
Thanks to all for the great responses. I will use a combo of these approaches to bridge the gap.
Yes, the tank is reef ready. I think I got the entire setup for the cost of the tank!
 
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