Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 10:42 pm Advice on major tank move
Ok, the last time I did a tank move, it involved a new location. That meant I could get the new tanks set up and fully cycled before the move, which was a rather unstressful move to the new tank.
This past weekend I got a 150 gallon on Craigslist. Delivery to my garage included. It's going into the basement in the same location as my 55 gallon.
I don't think cycling will be an issue, because I have an FX6 that hasn't been cleaned since early May and another 55 gallon as a refugium. Those will be staying. I'm thinking to not clean the FX6 just yet, because that will mean more bacteria and stuff for them to feed on as waste builds back up.
But I'm not sure of the rest of the logistics. I'm lining up a furniture dolly and help to get the aquarium into the basement. However, from that point, I'm not sure.
I'm thinking disconnect the refugium and run the pump back to itself. Move the Tobie into a bucket. Move the fish to the refugium. Drain the 55 and pull the sand into a bucket with aquarium water.
Then, get the 150 stand in place and level. Put the aquarium on, start filling with the right temp water and relevel early on. Add the extra sand I bought and cover with the sand from the old tank.
Once full, run the FX6 to clear the sand dust I couldn't rinse and then return Tobie and the fish.
I'd appreciate any thoughts or input.
EDIT: I should add, the basement floor is very unlevel and I've shimmed the heck out of the 55.
Tobi a RES born in 2012
1 dog, 1 teenager, 3 aquariums filled with fish, snails, shrimp and a bit of algae