Saltwater move

Question
QUESTION: Hi Paul,

      I just purchased a 150g saltwater tank on ebay and was wondering if you can give me tips when moving it? Its a reef and has 4 fish.

ANSWER: Hello Tanu, sorry for the delay, seems there are some changes going on over here, and i just got this message notification..

Please let us know if you are still moving or if you have already finished.

But to summarize, if you are moving a short distance, then i would suggest getting a large 'rubbermaid' type of container, and put some old water and new water into the tub, and transporting your live fish and corals to that bin, and setup some power heads and heaters to keep the fish comfortable until you get the tank setup.

Setup the tank using as much old tank water as possible, and the sand and rock.  Try to let the water settle out and let the sand settle out as long as possible then put the fish into the new home.

If you are moving a long distance away, it might be best to bring your livestock to a fish store and have them bag them with fresh oxygen and ship them to the new location once you ahve the tank setup...

Good luck



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is there a salt mix that you recommend?

Answer
I reccomend different salt mixes for different folks and different applications.

If you have no coral and is fish only, i suggest getting the whatever is on sale brand.  

If you have corals and dont have calcium reactor and you maybe dose two part, or bionic, SOMETIMES, then i suggest you get a salt mix that is high in calcium, like maybe tropic marin or D-D.

If you dose regulary, and or have a calcium reactor, you can use whatever is on sale.

Obviously my main goal in reccomending what i do, is to make sure you have high calcium levels for corals.

If you do water changes often, and regulary, you are getting your calcium from the salt.  If have a reactor you are getting your calcium from that.


I actually use and like reef crystals.  IT is usually on sale for less then $40 per bucket for 200gal, (I think it's 200, could be 160)

Drsfostersmith.com charges only $10 for shipping and that will include shipping to your door.

So i get three buckets at a time, and spend about $110 and dont have to drive anywhere.


I also get salt from 'trade shows' and other events that give away samples.  Great way to try out new things.


IF you have high end fish, and sensitive critter, i strongly urge you to not switch back and forth.