switching tank stands.....any thoughts..

[Vinman75]

I have a 55 gallon tank with some live fish, live rock (50 pounds or so) and live sand. I want to move the tank and all from one of those prefab store stands to a more solid wood stand I built. (I will be adding more rock and stuff eventually) My questions is....what is the best way to move the tank from one stand to another? Do I have to empty everything thing out and all or can I just empty half the water and move the tank. It is an All Glass tank and heavy itself, so looking forward to getting everything on a more heavy duty stand. Just not sure the best way to do so?

 

[mchartier]

I would empty the tank, you may get away with leaving the sandbed.

 

[Flame Angel]

Do a search on the site in regards to moving tank. It can be done with ease. The biggest thing is removing most if not all the water. Trying to keep the sand bed intact and remove the rock, but yet keep it wet and not let it dry out. Of course temp control for the fish and inhabitants if your going to take more than an hour to move the tank.

Plan, plan and walk through it in your head.

I think the hardest part is having something to put all the water into temporarily during the move. Disturb and stir up as little as possible.

I moved our 55g out of my daughers rooom on the 2nd floor to the den on the first floor with out issue. Just keep in mind to keep the tank level and not stress it out by not holding it level when going down stairs as the sand will shift. Rock will also fall and collapse if you do not remove it during the move.

Good Luck! you will be fine. Again, do a search on the forum.