Moving tank this weekend

[storkmpj]

I am buying a 90 Reef from a guy that lives about 2 miles from my house. It has a few pieces of coral in it, 100 lbs LR, 2 inches LS, about 8 fish. I am moving the entire system. My plan is put the rock in tubs, save as much water as I can and transport it in tubs and buckets, and try to transport the fish in separate buckets. Then set the tank back up and move the live stock right back into it. Total time I hope to keep under 4 hours. Over the next week I will be adding the contents of my currently running 55. What do you guys think?
Thanks

 

[cranberry]

I'd be planning on more time than that.

 

[scopus tang]

Originally Posted by Storkmpj
http:///forum/post/2731046
I am buying a 90 Reef from a guy that lives about 2 miles from my house. It has a few pieces of coral in it, 100 lbs LR, 2 inches LS, about 8 fish. I am moving the entire system. My plan is put the rock in tubs, save as much water as I can and transport it in tubs and buckets, and try to transport the fish in separate buckets. Then set the tank back up and move the live stock right back into it. Total time I hope to keep under 4 hours. Over the next week I will be adding the contents of my currently running 55. What do you guys think?
Thanks
I would also place the sand into seperate containers (maybe small rubbermaid tubs or buckets as well). Moving a tank with the sand in it is only going to increase the risk of poping a seal. And as Cranberry said, I would figure more time than that. Also expect a minicycle and perhaps a minispike as you will be disturbing the sandbed regardless of whether you remove the sand or not.

 

[storkmpj]

Considering that there may be a mini cycle, should I put the fish and coral in my 55 for a couple of days?

 

[scopus tang]

It wouldn't hurt, unless they're going to be really difficult to get back out of there, then I would say leave them in the reset up tank and keep a very close eye on the levels, or consider a larger plastic tub with a powerhead, heater, some of the old tank water and a little live rock ~ should suffice for a day or two.

 

[rldavisou]

I agree with what's been said so far, and I second that more time will be required. I figure half a day anytime I have to completely pack up and move a tank.

 

[sman]

Id say atleast half a day, you have to figure for the un thinkable, or the mess up your hopefully not going to make. Ive moved 2 tanks now, both times it was a royal pain. Just really think about it and plan EVERYTHING out. You already have a 55, so you know what your doing, use your head, and have a good amount of saltwater ready just in case for an emergency water change.
Good luck!