Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V5 #405

["Giancarlo" <gp at isaconsulting_com>]

Sounds like you have a plan there. The only thing I can think of is the
temperature drop during the move. Perhaps you can do a test to see what
temperature the water will drop to during the drive and get the fish used to
that temperature ahead of time. Saves them the shock of temperature change
on top of everything else. I've used a UPS made for computers to run a small
duetto and heater for a couple of cold trips but they were much shorter than
yours. I would probably put all the plants in a foam box as well to protect
them from the cold but may not be needed. Hey you could always light a fire
in the back of the U-Haul and keep everything warm ;-)

Good luck with it

Giancarlo Podio
--- Original Message ---

  a.. To: Aquatic-Plants at actwin_com
  b.. Subject: moving an aquarium
  c.. From: Mark Gilmore <gilmore at ee_ucla.edu>
  d.. Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 11:02:54 -0700

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Hi All,

Its been a very long time since I posted, but I have been lurking...

In about 6 weeks I'll be moving from Los Angeles to Albuquerque, NM, and I
plan on taking my 75 gal plant tank with me.  As such, I'm looking for
advice on how to best move the aquarium.

I'll be renting a U-Haul truck for the tank and my houseplants.  Its a
12-14 hr drive, and it will be cold (maybe below freezing) going through
northern AZ and NM.  Here's my present plan:  The day before the drive I'll
remove the fish to two 5 gal. buckets.  This is no small task in a densely
planted tank, of course.  I plan to remove the plants at one end of the
tank, and herd the fish (one by one) to that end for capture.  All fish are
small: tetras, barbs, gouramis, siamese algea eaters, ottocinclus, corys,
and farlowellas.  I fear this may take half a day.  For the drive, I plan
to insulate the buckets with styrofoam, and aerate them w/ battery-powered
airstones.  They will travel in the front of the truck w/ the heat on.

I'm planning to leave the rest of the plants in tact.  I'll drain the water
in the tank down to the gravel, and save it in 5 gal jugs.  I'll cover the
open tank top w/ plastic to keep moisture in.  The tank will be placed in
the truck on top of plywood and insulation (maybe cheap sleeping pads for
camping) to keep heat in the bottom.  Then I'll wrap the top and sides in
blankets, secure the whole package, and drive to NM as fast as possible.

Upon arrival, I'll reassemble to tank, add the saved water, let the
temperature stabilize, then return the fish.

Does anyone have any constructive comments on this plan?  Or perhaps better
ideas?  Or has anyone experienced pitfalls when moving long distance they
can advise me on?

Thanks for any help.

Regards,
Mark Gilmore
Los Angeles

PS - Anyone know of a good aquarium store(s) in Albuquerque?