Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
- Infinity8
- Figure 8 Puffer
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Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
So, as we know, I've only had my F8 Feather for a few weeks. His tank is fully cycled (20 gal), and everything seems to be going dandy.
Here's the thing: my family just dropped the bombshell on me that we will potentially be moving. Now, clearly if I had known this, I would have waited to start up his tank.
It will likely be a month or several before this happens (IF it happens), but I'd rather start preparing now so I don't get stuck in a bind. What do you guys think is the best course of action? I don't have the space to set up another large tank (over 5 gal) at our current address, and since we rent the transition will probably be fairly quick (so I couldn't set up the other tank at the new place ahead of time). Thoughts?
Would my F8 be okay in a cycled 5 gal for a week (with daily water changes, of course, and assuming I can get his normal home cycled in that time period with seeding)? I also have a ten gallon I keep in my classroom for a betta (pretty modest compared to Feather's usual setup, though if it would be better I can beef it up), but I really don't like the idea of not being able to monitor him or the water levels as frequently. Not to mention the stress of young kids interacting with the tank... I'm so frustrated. I really don't want to move, but I don't have any choice in the matter. I want what's best for my little guy, and I'm really worried how this will affect his health.
Here's the thing: my family just dropped the bombshell on me that we will potentially be moving. Now, clearly if I had known this, I would have waited to start up his tank.
It will likely be a month or several before this happens (IF it happens), but I'd rather start preparing now so I don't get stuck in a bind. What do you guys think is the best course of action? I don't have the space to set up another large tank (over 5 gal) at our current address, and since we rent the transition will probably be fairly quick (so I couldn't set up the other tank at the new place ahead of time). Thoughts?
Would my F8 be okay in a cycled 5 gal for a week (with daily water changes, of course, and assuming I can get his normal home cycled in that time period with seeding)? I also have a ten gallon I keep in my classroom for a betta (pretty modest compared to Feather's usual setup, though if it would be better I can beef it up), but I really don't like the idea of not being able to monitor him or the water levels as frequently. Not to mention the stress of young kids interacting with the tank... I'm so frustrated. I really don't want to move, but I don't have any choice in the matter. I want what's best for my little guy, and I'm really worried how this will affect his health.
Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
I wouldn't sweat it. Keep the filter media damp while moving and you'll be fine.
Empty the tank.
Put the Figure 8 in a container with 1/2 air, 1/2 water, and make the move to the new place.
Fill the tank back up with water that is as close to the previous setup as possible (temp/salinity) and also use a dechlorinator. Put the filter (with same media) on the tank and heater, etc. Get everything running as normal.
Add the Figure8 back in.
I've done this with tons of fish including several of my puffers when swapping tanks around and rarely if ever had any issues.
Empty the tank.
Put the Figure 8 in a container with 1/2 air, 1/2 water, and make the move to the new place.
Fill the tank back up with water that is as close to the previous setup as possible (temp/salinity) and also use a dechlorinator. Put the filter (with same media) on the tank and heater, etc. Get everything running as normal.
Add the Figure8 back in.
I've done this with tons of fish including several of my puffers when swapping tanks around and rarely if ever had any issues.
- Infinity8
- Figure 8 Puffer
- Posts: 121
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???- Tiberius the Tugboat
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- Location: Eastern Shore, MD
Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
This makes me feel so much better. Thanks so much for the quick response! My puffer's been a big source of joy in my kind-of-messed up life lately, and I'd be heartbroken if I did anything to put him in jeopardy.LRU wrote:I wouldn't sweat it. Keep the filter media damp while moving and you'll be fine.
Empty the tank.
Put the Figure 8 in a container with 1/2 air, 1/2 water, and make the move to the new place.
Fill the tank back up with water that is as close to the previous setup as possible (temp/salinity) and also use a dechlorinator. Put the filter (with same media) on the tank and heater, etc. Get everything running as normal.
Add the Figure8 back in.
I've done this with tons of fish including several of my puffers when swapping tanks around and rarely if ever had any issues.
If anyone else has other tips for this please feel free to chime in You guys are so great.
Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
One other suggestion: If you're concerned about the good bacteria in the filter media dying off, you could also buy a bottle of Tetra SafeStart or TLC StartSmart and add that bottled bacteria back in once the tank is filled back up at the new place and at the same time as you add your puffer.Infinity8 wrote:This makes me feel so much better. Thanks so much for the quick response! My puffer's been a big source of joy in my kind-of-messed up life lately, and I'd be heartbroken if I did anything to put him in jeopardy.LRU wrote:I wouldn't sweat it. Keep the filter media damp while moving and you'll be fine.
Empty the tank.
Put the Figure 8 in a container with 1/2 air, 1/2 water, and make the move to the new place.
Fill the tank back up with water that is as close to the previous setup as possible (temp/salinity) and also use a dechlorinator. Put the filter (with same media) on the tank and heater, etc. Get everything running as normal.
Add the Figure8 back in.
I've done this with tons of fish including several of my puffers when swapping tanks around and rarely if ever had any issues.
If anyone else has other tips for this please feel free to chime in You guys are so great.
- eieio
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Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
easy, peasey
how far are you moving?
I moved 5 tanks 425 miles a couple of years ago
the recommendations in the previous posts are good
I kept my filter media sealed up in the external canisters for 2-3 days and it was fine
the fish were transported in covered buckets 1/2 full of tank water
since it was a long drive, I used an inverter and air pump and air stones during the transport, and made sure the car stayed warm
upon arrival, the fish stayed in the buckets for a couple of days with heaters & air stones until the tanks were ready for them
how far are you moving?
I moved 5 tanks 425 miles a couple of years ago
the recommendations in the previous posts are good
I kept my filter media sealed up in the external canisters for 2-3 days and it was fine
the fish were transported in covered buckets 1/2 full of tank water
since it was a long drive, I used an inverter and air pump and air stones during the transport, and made sure the car stayed warm
upon arrival, the fish stayed in the buckets for a couple of days with heaters & air stones until the tanks were ready for them
"I plan ahead. That way, I don't have to do anything right now!"
-
- Mentor
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Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
All of the above is good advice - follow it as needed for short or distant moves and it should go smoothly for you and your fish.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Where's the fish? - Neptune
- Infinity8
- Figure 8 Puffer
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???- Tiberius the Tugboat
F8- Bonk
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- Location: Eastern Shore, MD
Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
LRU- I keep a bottle of SafeStart on hand, so I'll definitely keep that in mind!
Thanks RTR. You guys have made me feel so much better about this. I still detest the idea of moving (we jUST got settled here, finally), but there's some issues with mold and...well, yeah. I can't argue too much. Can't wait until I have the permanency of my own house specifically...then I can set up a 125 for a porcupine, and a GPS tank and....
I doubt it will be out of the town we're in. My mother hasn't started looking yet (and again, there's a chance this may fall through), so I have some time. I just kinda panicked and wanted to know my options. I will, however, keep that in mind about the buckets. I'm hoping to land a teaching job out of state next year, so Feather would have to take a little car ride with me.eieio wrote:easy, peasey
how far are you moving?
I moved 5 tanks 425 miles a couple of years ago
the recommendations in the previous posts are good
I kept my filter media sealed up in the external canisters for 2-3 days and it was fine
the fish were transported in covered buckets 1/2 full of tank water
since it was a long drive, I used an inverter and air pump and air stones during the transport, and made sure the car stayed warm
upon arrival, the fish stayed in the buckets for a couple of days with heaters & air stones until the tanks were ready for them
Thanks RTR. You guys have made me feel so much better about this. I still detest the idea of moving (we jUST got settled here, finally), but there's some issues with mold and...well, yeah. I can't argue too much. Can't wait until I have the permanency of my own house specifically...then I can set up a 125 for a porcupine, and a GPS tank and....
- bertie 83
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Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
Moving is always a nightmare, fish tank or not. Having a fish tank requires a little more forward planning, plan ahead and it's no major challenge
It's amazing how easy maintenance is. If done regularly and thoroughly
- Pufferpunk
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Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...
"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
- Infinity8
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Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
Thanks PP! Good to know, Bertie.
After the past few days, I'm skeptical this particular move is going to happen after all, but as I said, I'll eventually be moving out and out of state, so this is all good to know ahead of time.
A side note- I have a young student named "Leather." .....I have accidentally called her "Feather" no less than three times today. My students tease me for having puffers on the brain!
After the past few days, I'm skeptical this particular move is going to happen after all, but as I said, I'll eventually be moving out and out of state, so this is all good to know ahead of time.
A side note- I have a young student named "Leather." .....I have accidentally called her "Feather" no less than three times today. My students tease me for having puffers on the brain!
- Infinity8
- Figure 8 Puffer
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- Joined: Sat Oct 19, 2013 10:27 am
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: GSP- Burd
???- Tiberius the Tugboat
F8- Bonk
Potato Puffer- TBD, arriving 12/1 - Location (country): United States
- Location: Eastern Shore, MD
Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
Remember when I was panicking about this in November? I feel so much more prepared thanks to you guys. All set to move the tanks tomorrow night. Thinking about transporting some of the water too since it's only a five minute drive and no major stairs involved. Thoughts on whether this is necessary if I keep my filter media damp wet and bagged, and add the safe start as a precaution?
Any other last minute tips? Transporting the lot in fish bags in an insulated cooler since it's still pretty chilly up this way.
Any other last minute tips? Transporting the lot in fish bags in an insulated cooler since it's still pretty chilly up this way.
- Pufferpunk
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Punkster, the 4" red T miurus
Mongo, the 4" A modestus
2 T biocellatus
C valentini
C coranata
C papuan
Also kept:
lorteti
DPs
suvattii
burrfish
T niphobles - Location (country): USA, Greenville, SC
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Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
Always good to save as close to 50% of the water, if you can.
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...
"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
- Infinity8
- Figure 8 Puffer
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Sat Oct 19, 2013 10:27 am
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???- Tiberius the Tugboat
F8- Bonk
Potato Puffer- TBD, arriving 12/1 - Location (country): United States
- Location: Eastern Shore, MD
Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
Okie doke. Picked up some five gal buckets with lids yesterday, so that will work out.
- Infinity8
- Figure 8 Puffer
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Sat Oct 19, 2013 10:27 am
- Gender: Female
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???- Tiberius the Tugboat
F8- Bonk
Potato Puffer- TBD, arriving 12/1 - Location (country): United States
- Location: Eastern Shore, MD
Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
Puffdate: Everything went swimmingly and all the tanks are fine. Both puffers and bettas handled the move well.
- Pufferpunk
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- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 11:06 am
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- My Puffers: Filbert, the 12" T lineatus
Punkster, the 4" red T miurus
Mongo, the 4" A modestus
2 T biocellatus
C valentini
C coranata
C papuan
Also kept:
lorteti
DPs
suvattii
burrfish
T niphobles - Location (country): USA, Greenville, SC
- Location: Chicago
- Contact:
Re: Argh! Advice/Planning for Moving??? (F8)
Yay!
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...
"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
"The solution to pollution is dilution!"