Moving to a new state..help!

zoogrl03

zoogrl03

Member
I have read a few other threads about people moving..just wondering what to do in my case. I have a 72gal FOWLR and some various snails. I am moving from Wisconsin to Florida (driving) at the end of July. I only have four fish in my tank right now, 2 of which are a mated pair of clarkii clowns that i am a tad attached to, but if I have to get rid of them i will. I will most likely be giving up my live stock to the LFS.
I think my main concern is setting my tank back up once I'm there. I have read that a few people remove the sand from their tanks to move, is that necessary? I would prefer to take the majority of the water out and put in buckets/Rubbermaid tubs to transfer, but I would leave just a tiny bit of water enough to cover the sand in my tank and move the tank with sand in it. Then when setting back up put the water in the buckets back in. Of course I will make some new water as well. I have read that you should keep about 50-60% of original water (sound right?). Does this whole scenario sound ok? I have never had to move my tank, hopefully this will be the only time for a long time since i am moving out of a rented place into a house I'm buying.
Also I know this may sound odd, but i have a few zebra snails(i forget the actual name) but i would like to take them with me. I have had them since i have started the tank and they have grown enormously! It is quite impressive actually. Will they be safe if i keep them in one of the buckets of water, is it necessary to get a battery operated pump for them?
Any suggestions help. Thanks
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
If it were me, and that far of a move, I'd break down the tank and restart it again once I got to FL.
You'd need new sand. The movement in the car ride for that long will kick up so much detritus and cause a spike that you'd basically be starting over anyways.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
First. Starting over is exactly what you need to do, your clowns won't make the trip, it's way too long and then they won't have a home set up right away to be placed in.
Second...never, ever move a tank with anything in it. The sand is super heavy, and leaving water on it really adds weight. A tank is just glass or acrylic with some glue on the edges. You can put the sand in buckets and move it...rinse with saltwater before adding it to the tank so no toxins remain. What good will it do you to move a tank that far only to discover it leaks when you set it up in the new place. why chance it?
Put your rocks in tubs and put newspaper over them to keep them moist. Take some extra saltwater with you to dampen the newspaper as you travel. It will dry fast in the heat. You will still have die off but only enought to help your tank once you get to the new place and set it up.
 
deejeff442

deejeff442

Active Member
i moved from buffalo to fort worth 24 hours drive. i put the 90 gallon tank at the end of the truck.i took out 1/3 of the water. everytime we stopped at a restaurant i asked them to plug in my extension cord .so the pumps can run. i put saran wrap over the top of the tank. everything made it here .but i sure wouldnt do it again.if you have 4 fish i would just find them a good home and put the rock in totes and make sure they dont leak.then start the cycle in the tank with new water when i got there.moving sucks to begin with but moving that far just better to start over.good luck
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by deejeff442 http:///forum/thread/386566/moving-to-a-new-state-help#post_3396354
i moved from buffalo to fort worth 24 hours drive. i put the 90 gallon tank at the end of the truck.i took out 1/3 of the water. everytime we stopped at a restaurant i asked them to plug in my extension cord .so the pumps can run. i put saran wrap over the top of the tank. everything made it here .but i sure wouldnt do it again.if you have 4 fish i would just find them a good home and put the rock in totes and make sure they dont leak.then start the cycle in the tank with new water when i got there.moving sucks to begin with but moving that far just better to start over.good luck
You know your crazy right?

One good bump and the tank would have broken, stuff like little rocks fly off of trucks, and having anything in a tank is crazy let alone 1/3 full of water and then you stop and ask to hook up your pumps.....Classic. I have to ask..How old were you when you did this?
 
deejeff442

deejeff442

Active Member
i was 30 when we moved here.yea when we stopped at dennys they let me run the pumps.everything made it here.i still have the tank but its my wifes turtle tank now.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by deejeff442 http:///forum/thread/386566/moving-to-a-new-state-help#post_3396479
i was 30 when we moved here.yea when we stopped at dennys they let me run the pumps.everything made it here.i still have the tank but its my wifes turtle tank now.
That's the cutest story, but I expected you to say you were in your 20s. It just sounds so much like a crazy road trip thing a college kid would try to do.
 
S

siptang

Guest
LoL at Jeff's comments.
I moved my 72gal for 10 hours. North Florida to South Florida. (what part of FL you moving to btw?)
I didn't remove the sand and I left close to an 1" of water in there. Moved all my water inside plastic tubs that holds about 10-15 gallons and moved rocks and fish in there accordingly and put air bubbles in there and by grace of God, I didn't lose a single fish, single crabs or snails.
It also helped that it rained alot so that temperature stayed cool. (Was very worried about that)
Good luck on your moving!
 
zoogrl03

zoogrl03

Member
Moving to Ruskin, just South of Tampa. Thanks for everybody's opinions. It is going to be a tough move for the tank, but"Flower", just for you I will be getting rid of my stock. I would not do that to the fish, I actually like them!
 
S

siptang

Guest
No problemo friend. Welcome to the sunshine state. It just sucks that you will have to get rid of your stock...
It really wasn't that difficult for me and I think you can try but with minimum casualties...
I prefer fish in people's tanks instead of LFS's displays where they are neglected, abused, ill fed....
Just my two cents. :/
 
zoogrl03

zoogrl03

Member
Well to my pleasant surprise..A woman that i have been working with for three years has like 4 tanks. I guess the subject just never came up between us, but she thinks that she will at least be able to take my two clarkii clowns which is what i really want to have a good home. My two damsels can go to her if she wants them, but if not they can go to the LFS. I think i am going to take my snails with. If they make it, they make it. If not, then ok i guess
.
 
zoogrl03

zoogrl03

Member
Sip tang..living in Florida do you have to run a chiller? I do not run one here in wisconsin as it is freezing most of the year and my window air conditioners usually provide enough "chill" in the summer to keep the tank at a normal temp. Although I did have some fish die last year due to an overheating..but i was gone on vaca:-/ My house in FLA will have central air, not sure if that is enough to Not need a chiller..know what i mean? What is your opinion?
 
S

siptang

Guest
nope. I don't use chiller and haven't used one in all my years of having tanks. smaller tanks will require it .. maybe ... but your size tank is good size and it shouldn't fluctuate much since you have ac on 24/7.
 
zoogrl03

zoogrl03

Member
I assume that your a/c does not run through the winter..you guys do get a little chill in the air yes? lol I am sure not freezing like here in wisconsin, but enough to not have air on?
 
teresaq

teresaq

Active Member
Not much I can add, but also wanted to welcome you to S fla. I am south of Tampa in Cape Coral. What city are you moving too?
T
 
S

siptang

Guest
Woo hoo~ another Floridian here! ^_^ v
I'm straight down on I75 from you.
 
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