i moved across the hall in my house and i need to move my 30gal fish tank. Can i just let about half the water out and move it without the stand with 3 of my roomates? or do i need to completely empty it? I heard moving it can break the bottom glass of the tank....
2007-04-04 16:01:33 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Sure, that will work, just be careful not to bump it or slosh the water too hard and you'll be fine. I have moved many a tank this way.
MM
2007-04-04 16:09:50 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you can do this, but the larger the tank, the more water you should remove. Water weighs 8.8 pounds per gallon and 15 gallons is over 130 pounds of water plus the gravel.
Take out all but enough water to cover your fish and lift very carefully. It is not the bottom you need to worry about, it is the seal on the walls (sides) of the tank. Lifting sideways and letting the water slosh back and forth, hitting the sides, can spring the tank and cause a leak.
If you have 3 roommates to help, you could use the stand as a platform and just lift it by that (you would still remove water). The stand would keep the pressure on all sides of the tank even by supporting it all the way around the base.
I have moved many tanks this way and not caused any leaks. The plus side to keeping water in it is that you are saving most of the beneficial bacteria so you do not have to cycle the tank again. It is also easier on the fish if you don't have to net them and transfer them twice.
2007-04-04 16:21:51 · answer #2 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A fish tank is supported by the four corners rather than distributed across the entire bottom or sides. If you can keep the four corners level at all times you'll be in good shape. Empty out as much water as you can and still leave the fish, substrate, and decorations in the tank then move the entire setup stand and all. If you have a flimsy stand (even a little bit) or one that gives or bends even a little like some metal stands i would not recommend it.
Good luck and let us know when your fishys are safe and sound in their new location!
2007-04-04 16:12:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
With larger tanks, (2 foot and over) I think it is best to remove the fish and water befor moving it, although I have quite successfully moved my two footer complete with gavel fish and half full of water several times in the past.
If you want to move it and only half empty it, make sure you have a good solid base for the tank to sit on while it is being moved.
2007-04-04 16:19:49 · answer #4 · answered by Kindred Katt 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sure can. Done that more times than I want to mention!
1/2 the water is fine. Don't worry about sloshing. It will settle and be Fine. 3 room mates, strapping lads, wow! two will work three is always better and yep no worries mate! No need to emptie the tank. Let the water and fish in the tank. Everything will be fine. Once in the other room set up, just as if doing a larger water change. Just don't drop it and you will be fine with the "bottom of the tank" they are tougher than you think No proplem.
2007-04-04 17:00:58 · answer #5 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
i have witnessed a 30gal bottom break out with only 1/4 of the water in it.... the fish and everything went down the driveway... i would be very very careful and use something that has wheels...
2007-04-04 20:18:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, but be careful. Do you have a rolling microwave stand or tv stand that you could put it on to ease some of the weight?
2007-04-04 16:06:14 · answer #7 · answered by Jennifer P 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I LET HALF OUT WHEN I MOVE MINE IVE NEVER BROKE A TANK
2007-04-04 16:06:51 · answer #8 · answered by wkdwchofwest 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah but be careful use some thing with wheels
2007-04-04 16:09:53 · answer #9 · answered by Spleen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
empty it completely
2007-04-04 17:04:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋