capper

We are planning on moving soon to another apartment in the same building we are currently living in. We presently live on the 5th floor and will likely be moving to the 13th floor. Here's what we'll need to move:

1 46 gallon tank (90x45x45cm)
1 16 gallon tank (60x36x30cm)
1 6 gallon tank (30x30x25cm)
1 2 gallon tank (20x20x20cm)

The smaller 2 should be quite simple. Obviously, it's the 2 big ones that will present a challenge. Both of the large ones are freshwater community tanks with a lot of fish and shrimp. We have guppies, several kinds of tetras, 1 pleco in each, some cories, lots of guppy fry in each, and lots and lots of yamato, cherry red, and bumblebee shrimp.

My plan would be to keep all the fish in the tanks and take out about 70% of the water to lighten the load. Then, with the help of a couple of strong people, transport them. Soon after, add the water and hookups, and keep things simple. IF we were to take the fish out temporarily for the move, I think it would be very difficult because of the large numbers of shrimp and babies that tend to be hiding all over the place. We have a great deal of plant life as well.

My main concern with the plan above is that the 46g tank will still be too heavy with 25 or 30% of its water capacity. if this is the case, how little water can we get away with for the move? The process won't take very long. We would carry the tank to the elevator and into the new place and add water within 10 minutes.

Any suggestions for this big move? Am I taking the wrong approach?

AnnaEA

I think it's a sound plan -- if it were me, I'd take the large fish out of the tanks and move them separately, against the off chance of their tank getting broken while moving. I wouldn't worry about trying to take out plants/fry/etc -- just the adult fish. If you do this in the 46 gallon tank, I think you might be able to get away with taking out more water, making it lighter to move.

Butterfly

Moving tanks with substrate, water etc. can sometimes cause leaks. If this is the only way you can move it. I would suggest sliding it onto a board or something rigid to keep it from twisting in any way.
Carol