Moving tank

[ming]

I'm most likely going to be moving a block from where I currently live in about 2 months and wondering if I could empty all the water out of my 29 gallon tank but keep the gravel and plants in place during the moving? Would that be too much stress on the tank which could cause it to break? I have 30lbs of flourite in the tank and theres probably going to be about 3 or so gallons of water within the gravel. I'll bring the hood and driftwood stuff seperately but was wondering if the tank will be ok. I really dont want to redo my whole tank because of the amount of time it'll take. I'm only moving 1 block away. And also, what would be the best way to keep my tank cycled? I plan to keep about 10 gallons of the original water in a bucket and obviously not going to wash the filter so I can keep as much of the bacteria alive. Will my fish be able to go in after the transportation or will I have to wait for things to settle or what? I just want to be as prepared as I can.
TIA

[SueNH]

I'd take most of it out. If it doesn't break it outright it may weaken seams.
Suppose somebody had to hit the brakes hard?
Play it safe.

[Aquaman]

You should be ok since it is a short distance. You tank will remain in cycle as long as you dont wash the gravel and filter out. a little water in the bottom will keep the bacteria in the there alive. Dont try to move it while moving your other stuff, Ive broken 2 tanks this way with "helpful" friends and stuff sliding in the tank. Either move it before or after all your other things.

[ming]

Originally Posted by Aquaman

You should be ok since it is a short distance. You tank will remain in cycle as long as you dont wash the gravel and filter out. a little water in the bottom will keep the bacteria in the there alive. Dont try to move it while moving your other stuff, Ive broken 2 tanks this way with "helpful" friends and stuff sliding in the tank. Either move it before or after all your other things.

Yeah, thats exactly what I was thinking, just that I wanted someone to agree with me. I was probably going to move it first because after all the tank and water carrying, I'll probably be tired and want to rest a bit :lol:

[amanda huggenkiss]

I've done a short-distance tank move like that too. About 3-4 years ago I moved a couple blocks over. Drained all the water into containers (buckets bought & cleaned specifically for this job), put the fish in one & the plants in another, kept the substrate in the tank with just enough water to keep it wet, & moved the works to the new apartment, then put it all back together. Took about 2 hours. No problems.

It'll be fine.

I was probably going to move it first because after all the tank and water carrying, I'll probably be tired and want to rest a bit

Don't forget, you'll want to be able to take your time & set it all up properly too! Ahhhh, moving's such a joy :roll:

[Buck]

When you are awakened at 3 AM in the morning to the sound of running water from a cracked tank you will never consider moving any tanks in this fashion. They are designed to hold weight when perfectly level and setup... not to hold the weight while being twisted.

You are braver then me if you do this because I was the one who woke up at 3AM to a cracked tank...and when I moved mine it was empty.
How old is the tank ? Age has a lot to to with this as well.

But seriously, Its only a 29 gallon... how hard would it be to empty it ? Plants in one bucket and gravel in another and then there is less chance of mishap. Coolers work well too.

[ming]

The tank is only about 6 months old