How do I move a large saltwater fish tank?

Question

I want to buy a 90g saltwater tank and get rid of my two smaller tanks, but I rent my place so I'll have to move at some point... Just wondering if anyone had experience moving such a large saltwater tank.

Answer 1

I moved three saltwater a while back, and it's not that hard to do (as long as you have help to move the tank).

First, you want to have some saltwater already mixed up at the place you'd be moving to (you need to adjust water chemistry and salinity, so this isn't something to do at a moment's notice).

Second, use 5 gallon buckets to remove some water and the substrate and live rock (you want to keep these wet at all times, since this is where the bacteria live that convert the wastes to nontoxic substances) - add the filter media to one of these as well. Bag your fish as they do when you buy them (fill bag or 5 gallon bucket with 1/2 water, then add the fish). I use an old picnic cooler I bought second-hand to keep the temperature more constant to pack the fish bags into).

Next, drain the rest of the water from the tank. You should never try to move a tank with water in it, any twisting will cause stress and possible cause the corner seams to fail, or crack a panel, which isn't something you want to happen.

Pack everything up and move to the new location (hopefully within a few hour's drive). When you get to the new location, you can release the fish into the cooler (make sure it's clean!) and add a hang-on filter if the rim permits, and this temporary tank allows you the time to get the real one set up with the new water, substrate, and live rock.

Take the time to acclimate your fish to the new water temperature and chemistry (can be done as partial water changes right in the cooler), then net them and add them to the tank.

PS - I'd keep the smaller tanks - this will give you extra room for the fish while you set up after a move, and would make a great quarantine tanks/hospital tanks. In saltwater, you don't want a new fish bringing a disease to an established tank when the fish run $20+, and if you intend to keep inverts, you may not be able to medicate in the tank, without killing all the inverts.

Answer 2

I wouldnt get rid of your other tanks. If / when you move, you should transfer your fish and a good amount of the water to a smaller tank then move them. Dont try to move the 90g tank.... bad idea... You will probably injure yourself, or break the tank.

When you get the tank all set up and ready for the fish... dump the fish and the old water in the tank. You dont want to shock the fish bu putting them in too clean of water.

I hope this helps. Im not a saltwater tank guy, but I have pretty good luck with my 55g freshwater tank.

Answer 3

well if you havent bought the tank yet you should be fine. you did say you wanted to buy one. the two smaller ones, take some of the water out then put them on dollies (you know those wooden things on wheels that you move furniture with...) but to be on the safe side, take the fish out and/or take about half the water out.

Answer 4

I have not. All I can say is be very careful or you might have a Duece Biglow accident ☺