Moving 72 from one room to the other...

[Whatigot]

Originally Posted by Diana

Okay... I know you want to try to preserve your aquascape (trust me, Ive moved my tanks so many times with that goal in mind and it never works) but to be honest, it 99% of the time ends up looking better with each time I rearrange it. I would recommend that you forget trying to keep pieces grouped in buckets with how they go together, because it will just end up frustrating you more during a big move.

Setting up a spare tank with the coral and fish will really help you spend time with your aquascape. If you like the "wall of rock" look then thats cool, put all the rock in and let things settle and then move things around after its all in there to go it how you like it, and dont worry about the fish and coral until things look pretty good to you.

I do have a recommendation about the aquascape though. I've done the "pile of rock" in a couple tanks and found that the lack of flow in behind and around the rockwork really contributes to a buildup of waste on the rock and in the sandbed. Even if you stick a powerhead back there if there is rock in the way then the flow wont go anywhere. Set up the rock about 2-3" away from the back glass, and create lots of archways to allow water to flow freely in and around the rock. This is will help to keep the rock healthy, and over time will contribute to a much healthier reef.

Having a couple bins set up to house the rock while you move the equipment will really help as well.


-Diana

I assure, I took the utmost care in making sure my rocks recieve flow just about all over, there are several Koralias in behind the rock work and about 90% of the rocks are at least 1" off the back glass, this took time and adjustment and a lot of hassle (I.E. - not all "pile of rocks" are created equal), not to mention a nano wavebox is in the works for me as we speak which should really ensure even flow.
I am more concerned with the funcionality of the scape rather than the aesthetics although there is nothing wrong with a balance of those.

It took a lot of time to make sure everything was placed to ensure they were happy with their flow, lighting and neighbours as this is a mixed reef.
I know there are a lot of people who think the "rock wall" is amatuer, but I love it, 'scaping is the whole reason I got into reefs and it's totally zen for me and I apply only my own rules to my creativity in my little living microcosm.
Im obsessed with having a glue free scape (except for frags) that is solid and has flowing, pleasing (to me) lines to it and I don't do things just because everyone else does

For me, in this move, I was hoping to get some suggestions on preserving the 'scape and making the move as hassle free as possible, and telling me not to bother trying to keep my rockwork is sort of counter productive to this thread...lol
I respect your opinion and I appreciate the attempt at advice but I don't think I was clear enough on what i was hoping to get from this thread....

I know it will make it easier to have a couple of tanks with all livestock until the new scape settles, thats why I mentioned it but all the same, that is a valid tip for sure...lol
Does anyone have any hints or tips at all or should I just go both barrels blazing and get er done?
seems like I have all my ducks in a row and I just wanted to make sure with this board that there wasn't anything else I could do to ease the pain...


other tanks for the fish and coral to hangout for a day or two if need be - Check
Try not to focus on keeping the same 'scape - Check
Bins for Rocks - Check

anyone else have some helpful suggestions>?
thank you.