Moving my Tank Interstate

Question
Hi
I am about to move interstate and would like to keep as much of my established reef tank as possible. I intend to 'dry out' the live rock and try and rejuvenate it later on in the new house - is this possible or will I just have a stinking mess ? Obviously I have to give away the fish and corals, but will maintain as much hardware as possible.

Answer
Hello Peter,

What exactly are you planning?  Just moving all the equipment, and was wondering if you should dry out the rock or keep it damp??

That would depent on how long it will be before you setup teh tank again?  If you could, at least get the rocks into water within a couple days, it would be okay to wrap them in wet newspaper, and thow more water on teh paper a couple times per day for a few days.

When you get to your new place, i fyou could put the rocks into the tank and or a temporary tank, with circulation, that would be good enough for a long time.  As long as you have flow, the rock will continue to cure.

If you cant get the rocks into water in a few days, then yes, just dry them out.  I would start off by soakding them in fresh water, straight from the tap, then let them soakd for a few days or longer, then let them dry out, in the sun preferable to make sure they dry through to the core.  They will stink, keep them outside, away from pets and animials.

When you are ready to setup again, I would soak in fresh water for a few days, then I would put them in saltwater, and then then seed them with other live rocks.

Good luck.


Mr. Bill