Moving a 55 gallon tank 'cross country

sumpthinfishy · 03-19-2005, 10:34 AM

Okay, I need serious input, guys. I am getting a 55 gallon tank complete with fish and plants. The problem is it is over 600 miles away. During a trip we are taking next weekend, we are picking it up.

How do I safely get the fish home? I had thought to take some of our water with us, and mix a bit of our water with more of theirs (about 25% ours-75% theirs). This is by car and will be 12 hours of driving. We had thought a live well (maybe two? One for he bigger fish and one for the smaller) with an aerator in it may be the best way to transport. But as this is a first for us, please suggest any and all ideas! I REALLY want all these fish to make it here safely.

Here are the fish involved: One 7" dojo loach. Two clown loaches 3 & 5 inches. One Blue gourami - guessing about 4". Four cories. And several other small fish, I think tetras.

I will not be keeping all of these fish. When they are settled and I am sure healthy from the move, I will probably find homes for the gourami and the tetras. I actually want to add another dojo loach for company for the first. I am also no sure if I am keeping the clowns. Many years ago, I had some small ones and I've never had luck with them. I'm afraid if I keep them, they'll die!

So, if I get everyone here okay, how is this for stocking a 55? Two dojo loaches, and a 6" goldfish (growing rapidly). If I keep the clowns, I won't put the goldfish in.

Then the 46 gallon would have two swordtails, 5 otocinclus, nine cories (four from the new tank and my existing five) and some apple snails. Yes, I know loaches love snails so they will never meet!

sumpthinfishy · 03-19-2005, 10:45 AM

Oh, and this tank is HEAVILY planted. I mean heavily. Didn't know if this would make a difference with respect to stocking of the 55 gallon.

Lexus · 03-19-2005, 01:02 PM

Well I had to move my fish 300 miles once and bought a tupperware thing and put them in it... they all survived, just make sure you leave the cover off for air.

sumpthinfishy · 03-19-2005, 01:58 PM

Thanks, Lexus. I had actually considered that, but was afraid of the oxygen being a problem. Didn't feel comfy with the top off, but it's an awful long time without an aerator as it will be non-stop driving. Maybe the smaller fish would be okay in the rubbermaid buckets?

I was also concerned about the bigger fish accidentally, through bumps or whatever, squashing the little ones. That's why I was wondering about two wells. Any ideas regarding that concern, anyone?

mrmoby · 03-19-2005, 03:58 PM

you could get a battery powered aeratoer, or at least bring something with you that would allow you to agitate the water from time to time.

Thunderkiss · 03-19-2005, 04:24 PM

Go to your LFS and ask if you can have the styrofoam boxes thier fish come in. Also see if you can grab a few of thier largest fish bags. If they don't have very big bags or styro boxes get a cooler, either styro or a real one.
If styro, line with a big ol garbage bag, if regular just clean really well with non-soap or light bleach solution (1:20) and rinse THOROUGHLY with water conditioner.

A battery powered air pump will also help immensely.

A pre-seeded (2 week old should suffice) sponge hooked up to said air pump will go miles, but requires a bit of planning.

sumpthinfishy · 03-19-2005, 07:17 PM

Well, we'll be using a 20 gallon aerated (12 volt powered) live well. Hoping that's all that's necessary. I could have the filters (there are two) from the tank in there with them. Hopefully that would be good on that end. This is a very established tank.

Should I ask the person we're getting this from to fast the fish? And if so, for how long?

There are dozens of plants. Dozens! Will it be necessary to uproot them all? Or can we leave just the gravel, moist (all water out) and put it in the auto? Or will it be necessary to empty all the gravel for the move. Don't want to bust the tank. But really hate to uproot all the plants. They're beautifully arranged. Okay, I think that's all the questions!

Thanks for all the responses so far!

Thunderkiss · 03-20-2005, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Well, we'll be using a 20 gallon aerated (12 volt powered) live well. Hoping that's all that's necessary. I could have the filters (there are two) from the tank in there with them. Hopefully that would be good on that end. This is a very established tank.

Should I ask the person we're getting this from to fast the fish? And if so, for how long?

There are dozens of plants. Dozens! Will it be necessary to uproot them all? Or can we leave just the gravel, moist (all water out) and put it in the auto? Or will it be necessary to empty all the gravel for the move. Don't want to bust the tank. But really hate to uproot all the plants. They're beautifully arranged. Okay, I think that's all the questions!

Thanks for all the responses so far!

The live well SHOULD be ok. Main reason for my suggestion of a cooler of some sort is thermal stability. Just keep an eye on them (and one on the road!) and they should do ok.
I can't think of any real reason to fast them, they'll stress and foul the water either way, but it may help. I just don't know how

The only thing i think will hamper you leaving the gravel in is the weight. And if you go up any stairs or have any minor mishaps during handling that shifts the gravel at all you'll have a rearranged tank wether you want it or not. But leaving them in risks damaging them. You know where you are going and the grace and coordination of your assistants, you make that call. Sucks to wreck a nice display but it would suck even more to lose a nice plant that got folded in half during a massive gravel shift.

sumpthinfishy · 03-20-2005, 08:27 AM

I THINK the temp should be okay. I hope. It'll be inside the cab of the truck, tied down. If I remember right, it's insulated - like styrofoam or something. I'll have to double check that.

Didn't know if their stomachs were empty would keep any potential ammonia problems down a bit. But I don't want to stress them. I'll have to think about that one!

Yeah, I've about decided to pull the plants out and take the gravel out as well. Just don't want to risk the tank.

Thanks, Thurderkiss!

sumpthinfishy · 03-27-2005, 01:31 PM

Whoa, it's done!

We got the 55 gallon tank in. All the fish tolerated the trip extremely well. We ended up using an OLD cooler, rinsed well. We drilled two holes in the top and inserted air lines and a double air stone, battery operated air pump.

Used their water, brought the rest in another container and added water to them a couple of times during the trip.

We floated the filters and I put gravel from my existing tank for 24 hours before adding the final substrate. Also "rinsed" my filters into the new tank's water. May be able to avoide a mini-cycle. Added about 1/2 of the tanks volume of water from the original. Has all the plants and stuff. Hopefully there's enough bacteria.

0 ammonia
0 nitrites
10-20 nitrates - So far!

Here are pictures with the freshly added substrate, so it's really cloudy right now.

**fish_doc** · 03-27-2005, 01:51 PM

Nice looking tank. I can see why you wanted to get it.

sumpthinfishy · 03-27-2005, 01:57 PM

Thanks. I love it. Has some beautiful, really healthy fish. Hope they stay that way. If I can avoid a mini-cycle, I'll be thrilled! There are two synodontis in there. The larger one is hiding in the "stump" on the left.

They're totally new to me. Trying to identify them now. I'm thinking synodontis nigromaculatus. If anyone has any idea, please holler.

The larger one looks a bit different from the one in the pic. More brown with dark brown/black spots.

flynngriff · 03-27-2005, 02:48 PM

The one in the close up photo looks like another (we've had a couple of them lately

) Synodontis Eupterus to me... The other one might be a Synodontis Ocellifer if it's spots are larger. See if you can get a photo of it!

Also check out the list of Synodontis catfish here:

http://planetcatfish.com/catelog/fam_list.php

Good luck, I'm glad the move went well!

Lexus · 03-27-2005, 05:47 PM

Nice! I'm glad the move went uneventful

sumpthinfishy · 03-28-2005, 03:46 PM

Thanks, ya'll. I'm going to try to get a good pic of the big one, but it's being really shy!

At least I can check out a few more names now!

03-19-2005, 10:34 AM	#1
sumpthinfishy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 124	Moving a 55 gallon tank 'cross country Okay, I need serious input, guys. I am getting a 55 gallon tank complete with fish and plants. The problem is it is over 600 miles away. During a trip we are taking next weekend, we are picking it up. How do I safely get the fish home? I had thought to take some of our water with us, and mix a bit of our water with more of theirs (about 25% ours-75% theirs). This is by car and will be 12 hours of driving. We had thought a live well (maybe two? One for he bigger fish and one for the smaller) with an aerator in it may be the best way to transport. But as this is a first for us, please suggest any and all ideas! I REALLY want all these fish to make it here safely. Here are the fish involved: One 7" dojo loach. Two clown loaches 3 & 5 inches. One Blue gourami - guessing about 4". Four cories. And several other small fish, I think tetras. I will not be keeping all of these fish. When they are settled and I am sure healthy from the move, I will probably find homes for the gourami and the tetras. I actually want to add another dojo loach for company for the first. I am also no sure if I am keeping the clowns. Many years ago, I had some small ones and I've never had luck with them. I'm afraid if I keep them, they'll die! So, if I get everyone here okay, how is this for stocking a 55? Two dojo loaches, and a 6" goldfish (growing rapidly). If I keep the clowns, I won't put the goldfish in. Then the 46 gallon would have two swordtails, 5 otocinclus, nine cories (four from the new tank and my existing five) and some apple snails. Yes, I know loaches love snails so they will never meet! __________________ AKA - The Snail Trail. Check for auctions on AB or contact directly.

03-19-2005, 10:45 AM	#2
sumpthinfishy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 124	Oh, and this tank is HEAVILY planted. I mean heavily. Didn't know if this would make a difference with respect to stocking of the 55 gallon. __________________ AKA - The Snail Trail. Check for auctions on AB or contact directly.

03-19-2005, 01:02 PM	#3
Lexus Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Wisconsin Age: 22 Posts: 2,402	Re: Moving a 55 gallon tank 'cross country Well I had to move my fish 300 miles once and bought a tupperware thing and put them in it... they all survived, just make sure you leave the cover off for air. __________________ 55 Gallon 2 Blood Parrots 2 Angelfish 1 Fantail Goldfish 46 Gallon 1 Albino Bristlenose 2 Angelfish 4 African Dwarf Frogs 4 Black Skirt Tetras 6 Zebra Danios 8 Tiger Barbs 11 Assorted Corys 29 Gallon 8 Daffodil Cichlids & fry 1 Electric Blue Crayfish 10 Gallon 1 Betta 15 Neon Tetras

03-19-2005, 01:58 PM	#4
sumpthinfishy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 124	Thanks, Lexus. I had actually considered that, but was afraid of the oxygen being a problem. Didn't feel comfy with the top off, but it's an awful long time without an aerator as it will be non-stop driving. Maybe the smaller fish would be okay in the rubbermaid buckets? I was also concerned about the bigger fish accidentally, through bumps or whatever, squashing the little ones. That's why I was wondering about two wells. Any ideas regarding that concern, anyone? __________________ AKA - The Snail Trail. Check for auctions on AB or contact directly.

03-19-2005, 03:58 PM	#5
mrmoby Devout Heathen Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Waterville, ME Age: 36 Posts: 527	Re: Moving a 55 gallon tank 'cross country you could get a battery powered aeratoer, or at least bring something with you that would allow you to agitate the water from time to time. __________________ Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.- Siddhartha Gautama

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03-19-2005, 04:24 PM	#6
Thunderkiss Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 376	Re: Moving a 55 gallon tank 'cross country Go to your LFS and ask if you can have the styrofoam boxes thier fish come in. Also see if you can grab a few of thier largest fish bags. If they don't have very big bags or styro boxes get a cooler, either styro or a real one. If styro, line with a big ol garbage bag, if regular just clean really well with non-soap or light bleach solution (1:20) and rinse THOROUGHLY with water conditioner. A battery powered air pump will also help immensely. A pre-seeded (2 week old should suffice) sponge hooked up to said air pump will go miles, but requires a bit of planning.

03-19-2005, 07:17 PM	#7
sumpthinfishy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 124	Well, we'll be using a 20 gallon aerated (12 volt powered) live well. Hoping that's all that's necessary. I could have the filters (there are two) from the tank in there with them. Hopefully that would be good on that end. This is a very established tank. Should I ask the person we're getting this from to fast the fish? And if so, for how long? There are dozens of plants. Dozens! Will it be necessary to uproot them all? Or can we leave just the gravel, moist (all water out) and put it in the auto? Or will it be necessary to empty all the gravel for the move. Don't want to bust the tank. But really hate to uproot all the plants. They're beautifully arranged. Okay, I think that's all the questions! Thanks for all the responses so far! __________________ AKA - The Snail Trail. Check for auctions on AB or contact directly.

03-20-2005, 08:27 AM	#9
sumpthinfishy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 124	I THINK the temp should be okay. I hope. It'll be inside the cab of the truck, tied down. If I remember right, it's insulated - like styrofoam or something. I'll have to double check that. Didn't know if their stomachs were empty would keep any potential ammonia problems down a bit. But I don't want to stress them. I'll have to think about that one! Yeah, I've about decided to pull the plants out and take the gravel out as well. Just don't want to risk the tank. Thanks, Thurderkiss! __________________ AKA - The Snail Trail. Check for auctions on AB or contact directly.

03-27-2005, 01:51 PM	#11
fish_doc Advisor to Neptune (Mod) Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northern Illinois Age: 40 Posts: 3,825	Re: Moving a 55 gallon tank 'cross country Nice looking tank. I can see why you wanted to get it. __________________ Dave (fish_doc) A World of fish

03-27-2005, 01:57 PM	#12
sumpthinfishy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 124	Thanks. I love it. Has some beautiful, really healthy fish. Hope they stay that way. If I can avoid a mini-cycle, I'll be thrilled! There are two synodontis in there. The larger one is hiding in the "stump" on the left. They're totally new to me. Trying to identify them now. I'm thinking synodontis nigromaculatus. If anyone has any idea, please holler. The larger one looks a bit different from the one in the pic. More brown with dark brown/black spots. __________________ AKA - The Snail Trail. Check for auctions on AB or contact directly.

03-27-2005, 02:48 PM	#13
flynngriff Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Age: 34 Posts: 443	Re: Moving a 55 gallon tank 'cross country The one in the close up photo looks like another (we've had a couple of them lately) Synodontis Eupterus to me... The other one might be a Synodontis Ocellifer if it's spots are larger. See if you can get a photo of it! Also check out the list of Synodontis catfish here: http://planetcatfish.com/catelog/fam_list.php Good luck, I'm glad the move went well!

03-27-2005, 05:47 PM	#14
Lexus Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Wisconsin Age: 22 Posts: 2,402	Re: Moving a 55 gallon tank 'cross country Nice! I'm glad the move went uneventful __________________ 55 Gallon 2 Blood Parrots 2 Angelfish 1 Fantail Goldfish 46 Gallon 1 Albino Bristlenose 2 Angelfish 4 African Dwarf Frogs 4 Black Skirt Tetras 6 Zebra Danios 8 Tiger Barbs 11 Assorted Corys 29 Gallon 8 Daffodil Cichlids & fry 1 Electric Blue Crayfish 10 Gallon 1 Betta 15 Neon Tetras

03-28-2005, 03:46 PM	#15
sumpthinfishy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 124	Thanks, ya'll. I'm going to try to get a good pic of the big one, but it's being really shy! At least I can check out a few more names now! __________________ AKA - The Snail Trail. Check for auctions on AB or contact directly.

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