Relocating FISH from one tank to another

[sueandherzoo]

Just a crazy idea so don't flame me too badly.... I"m sitting here waiting for the call that says "the tank is ready for you to pick up" (buying a used 55 gallon with live rock, sand, water, fish, lights, protein skimmer, filter, etc. etc.) and I know the move is going to be stressful on the fish and on me. I'll want to aquascape and get the tank running ASAP yet I will be worrying about the poor fish in a bucket and I wondered.... can I put them in the 46 gallon that I just set up Monday? That is ultimately going to be a seahorse tank but not for months yet. I put water and sand and a little live rock in on Monday - I just tested the water and there is no ammonia, no nitirite, and barely trace nitrates. The ph is kinda high: 8.5, and the alkalinity is "normal". Salinity is .025. Can I put them in there while I set up their tank or am I asking for trouble? What if they were in there close to 24 hours - is that a bad idea? I would love to say for sure that I will have their tank running in a few hours but I started feeling really crappy a few hours ago (flu-like) and I don't know how long I'm gonna last tonight. There is a Fluval 405 running in the 46 gallon -- has been since Monday.
Your thoughts?

 

[socal57che]

Since you are only going to have them in there 24 hrs max, I dont think it would be a problem. If it were longer you might see ammonia, but not in that short of a time period. Acclimate them just as you would any new livestock.
You may experience a mini cycle in the 55 due to disturbing the sand and such. Be ready for a couple water changes. (have some salt water mixed)
BTW good luck with the move...it never goes as smooth as planned.

Something always throws a wrench in the works.

 

[1990jpyj]

+1 24 hours in a tank shouldnt be a problem. but im not an expert. i have done it b4 though and i was successfull

 

[sueandherzoo]

Thanks everyone - the tank is set up (at least enough so that I could put the fish in and I can possibly go to bed soon!) and as was mentioned, things don't always go as smoothly as you'd hope. But then again since this was my first move (basically my first real tank, too!) I guess all in all I am pleased. Of course I'll know better tomorrow if the fish survive the night and if the corals were damaged, but the tank is holding water, the Fluval is running, the LS was picked through and cleaned, some live rock was aquascaped, and the the fish are in. I can't even see straight anymore so I'm going to post a pic or two and get some sleep. SO GLAD I put in for a vacation day tomorrow!