Tank Transfer!

Sary · 08-06-2006, 12:32 AM

Hi! I just joined the forums in expectancy of my future saltwater-research. Although I've only begun my (long) journey down the path of knowledge to keeping a saltwater aquarium, i've already realized my first problem, and I consult you for help. (*Bow*)

I am a college student living in the dorms, and have been fascinating by saltwater aquariums since I was young when my parents had a 200 gallon. I would only be getting a small 20 gallon set up, but i've realized a problem in the whole plan before even starting my more-thorough research. Transfer. I live in Louisiana right now, and will be going to college in Arkansas. Although I wouldnt start the tank until I got to Arkansas, I would be required to move out in about 4 1/2 months, and move back in, and do some travelling in between. so! the problem is this: How do I move the tank?

There may be some obvious answer to this, but I don't knowm uch about portability of said tanks. From what I remember as a child... it doesnt seem easy, if possible, to transport a saltwater aquarium.

Any ideas, or any feedback at all?
Should i give up on the idea in general right now?
Thanks
Sary

ahill3780 · 08-06-2006, 12:44 AM

WELCOME TO FISHTANKFORUMS!

Anything is possible. What would you plan on keeping in this aquarium?

Sary · 08-06-2006, 12:58 AM

I haven't decided that part yet! I know it'll be a process, and I will definitely start with the basics, but as far as what I finally plan on keeping in it, i'm unsure. If you have any suggestions, i'm more than willing to take them.

Thanks for the welcome

ahill3780 · 08-06-2006, 01:18 AM

Well you're in luck. First off, by the time you get ready to leave in 4 months your tank should be cycled and ready for it's first fish. But only just.

Normally most people would tell you to wait until after colledge before starting a marine tank because of the hassle of moving it.

Seeing as dorm-space tends to limit the room for a tank you are usually left with only enough space for a 20 gallon. You can make it work, but you can't really keep a lot in a tank that small. Usually only clownfish, damsels, jawfish, and a few other small species that don't wander around much in the wild. But you won't really be able to keep a lot of any of them. I would limit it to about 3 fish or so in a 20 gallon.

Don't let that get you down. Clownfish alone are awesome fish to keep. (Hell, an empty marine tank can be fun to watch at nighttime when all the little critters come out to play!) They will keep you and everyone else around entertained just with the way they move and respond to people who come up to the tank. And they can tell when its feeding time!

Still, starting off with a small tank is a great way to learn the basics of how to care for a saltwater tank and learn all the tricks you will need to know when you're ready to tackle larger tanks after colledge! And if (or rather when) you do make mistakes you will not be out of that much money.

Sary · 08-06-2006, 01:30 AM

Well since I havent gotten the tank yet, we'll see about it being ready then. It will be another month atleast before I start off the tank, because I am all about being completey-well-informed. I also don't have the money yet.

I've already come to terms with the small-size issue as well as the few-fish, and that's acceptable to me. I'm very interested in all the little critters, the shrimp, algae eaters, the whole deal. Even small, it's fascinating.

Ontop of that still is the transfer, but i'm sure I'll have some interesting ideas offered up

ahill3780 · 08-06-2006, 01:35 AM

Oh, I've become a self-taught expert in the ways of transporting tanks. I have had a rough year and have ended up moving my own 55 gallon tank 3 times, my brothers 75 gallon tank twice, my old boses 55 gallon tank around the office, and so many 10 and 20 gallon tanks that its not even funny! Through them all I have never lost 1 fish or invertebrate.

I have plenty of great ideas to see you through transporting when it comes to that. How far away would you be going with the tank?

El Pez · 08-06-2006, 01:39 AM

I think it is awesome that you are enting the world of our addiction!! Unfortunately though, I must be a nay sayer. I feel it is a bad idea to get a tank while you live in a dorm, simply due to the move every 4-5 months. It can be very stressfull on the fish and hence they may not survive. This can be sadening and costly. I too started my first tank...a 20 gallon reef tank...while in college. I lived in an apartment though, and didn't have to move.

I absolutely loved it, but soon after upgraded to my current 55 gal, which I am shortly upgrading to a 125 gal

As aron said, anything is possible. You certainly could transfer the fish and the tank however often needed. It is just a pain to have to break it down, load it into a car, keep the fish airated, tranfer the water (w/o spilling it in your car), set it up in the new place, hope the fish aren't too stressed...enjoy for a few months and do it all over again.

Not that I want to discourage you from the addiction, I simply feel you would be better off waiting until you are more stable in your housing arrangements. Enjoy and good luck!!!!

Sary · 08-06-2006, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahill3780

I have plenty of great ideas to see you through transporting when it comes to that. How far away would you be going with the tank?

As far as how far I'd be going... I really have no idea, I will have to see then. It could be anywhere from a mile to 700. The 700 is entirely possible, at this point, but will more than likely be the 1 mile. Also in a couple of years I am looking into studying abroad, and thus... cross-continent.

Please, with your aquarium-moving-expertise, endow me with this information. I'm curious! Transferring water? possible? wow. How do the fish transfer, what do you put them in? Can you do it in a car?

As far as the information from El Pez --- thankyou for your input. I will think very carefully about starting this tank before I truly get into it, if the risk is worth it and whatnot.

ahill3780 · 08-06-2006, 02:18 AM

When the time comes for cross continent travel it is needless to say that its time to donate the tank to a caretaker or sell it off to someone.

As far as transporting the water for the tank, the answer lies with that of the secret for transporting the fish - although I may be shot for revealing it to you. ... 5 gallon buckets!!

Yes, its true, 5 gallon buckets are indispensible commodities when it comes to aquarium keeping. They are useful for so many different tasks that I like to keep several on hand. I have three that have dedicated roles for my tank, and one of those is used simply for removing the RO water from its storage container and depositing it into either another 5 gallon bucket for distribution elsewhere, or into the 35 gallon make-up saltwater container close by where I age my water for WCs.

For long trips in the car you will need to make use of a 400W power inverter so you can run an airstone in the bucket, and possibly even a heater if needed. (I wouldn't try running a chiller off one of those suckers though.

)

The sand presents a different challenge however as you will need to leave it in the aquarium along with enough water to keep it submerged to preserve the beneficial bacteria. I like to tape a garbage bag over the top to keep it from ejecting from the tank while taking turns. (you would be surprised how much the water in a tank sloshes in response to even the most minimal of turns!)

El Pez · 08-06-2006, 02:19 AM

Transferring is actually rather easy. Especially on a smaller tank. The water can be siphoned into sealable containers...I use 5 gallon drinking water jugs. The fish need to be in a large enough container so that they will not bounce into each other during transport. Minimize shock by making gentle movements or turns (if in the car....avoid speedbumps and potholes). In the past I have purchased 10-20 gallon rubermaid containers(with lids) Pour 3-7 inches of tank water into the rubbermaid and cover. Connect an airater to a DC/AC converter and that to the vehicle's cigarette lighter and happy driving. That has worked quite well during many trips from the Fla Keys.