Moving to NJ

[bluehippo]

HI Guys,

I am moving to NJ and will be moving a community of fish with me ... I will be setting up a 125gallon with ETSS skimmer on the NJ end to be ready for my fish in June ... I could use any advice for the move (it's and eight hour drive) and setting up my tank .... I have a lot to learn and this move has me nervous ...

Thanks!

 

[Rbu1]

You should be fine with an eight hour drive. Just get some big bags from your local fish store and package everything you like you were going to ship it. Try to get styrofoam coolers if you can. If you can have your tank set up in advance that will make it a little easier. I am sure someone on here has done it before and can give you some better ideas. But you should be fine.

 

[RichT]

They spend a lot longer then 8 hours in a bag when originally shipped. Like Bill said, you should be fine. Salt buckets would work good for traveling. 2/3 water 1/3 air maybe. For a piece of mind, you could easily open the buckets at a gas stop to check them and agitate the water. The ambient temperature will hopefully be around 80 making it all the easier.

 

[onefish2fish]

where are you moving to?

 

[shipwrecked]

I've gotten fish 10 hrs away,bagged them 3/4 of the bag filled with water,and the rest air,the water sloshing around will provide air/water exchange,and slipped a few heat packs in the box for heat,maybe not needed now,unless you have the ac on in the car.And threw a towel over the bags to keep them from stressing out.I wouldnt worry about the move it should go well.Good luck and keep us posted

 

[jerzsky]

i have heard of great results using a large igloo cooler, and not having the fish in bags. letting them swim freely in the cooler for the ride. but as everyone else said is great ways too...

 

[malulu]

bluehippo,

welcome to NJ...

where are you moving from and to where?

depends on where is in NJ, I could help to check thing on your new tanks, so you no need to be physically here for everything... may be some other could help to if in different area? I am in Central Jersey.

if needed, i have TWO 55g barrels that you can borrow, you can use them to make/store water, or to transport your fishes...etc.

best luck!
thx

 

[Lord Viper]

We are all here if you need us. Im in central jersey also if you need a hand

 

[Edwardw771]

I too can help I'm near Princton

 

[premilove]

i can help as well..central jersey!

 

[bluehippo]

Thanks Everyone!

I greatly appreciate all of the offers and support! I've had my fish, bluehippo, 2 yellow tangs, an 18 inch Engineer goby, a purple lobster, 3 clowns, a few damsels for 3 years! And, three days ago my damsels had about 30 babies! I can't believe it! I told them this was no time to be starting a family but they don't seem to care!

As for the new home, it's a 125g ... I have a 40 gallon baffled sump and an ETSS protein skimmer ...

Any recs on what I should put in the sump to help water quality?

Does anybody use water straight out of the ocean? I'll be in Toms River and I thought it might be an option ...

Here's another question ... I was looking on www.liverockusa.com ... it looks like they buy Limestone from a quarry or rock yard and dump it in the ocean for a while .... could I buy rock at the landscape yard and start my new tank off with that and just add bacteria to the water? Dumb question but curious ...

... What are the best stores in NJ/Philly area?


So many questions ... sorry ... any help much appreciated ...

Thanks!

Allan

 

[Gecko]

If you're trying to save money, then I would suggest you buy dry based rock for the foundation and place a few pieces of live rock to seed the tank. Also in my opinion Tropiquarium is one of the best LFS in NJ.

 

[premilove]

If you're trying to save money, then I would suggest you buy dry based rock for the foundation and place a few pieces of live rock to seed the tank. Also in my opinion Tropiquarium is one of the best LFS in NJ.

the thing about tropiquarium that i dont really like is he overcharges a lot. i was looking at a colony of zoas that he was charging 150 for and i bought the same colony for 45 online..

Ocean Gallery II is a really good store. Great selection, great service, etc. def check it out! Talk to brian

 

[Hawkeye]

Any recs on what I should put in the sump to help water quality?

Generally speaking my answer here is the best skimmer you can afford. Specifically for you - you could consider the usage of a Phosban Reactor and/or the addition of Cheato macro algae - if you have enough sections in the sump.

Does anybody use water straight out of the ocean? I'll be in Toms River and I thought it might be an option ...

Tough answer - but generally speaking you will need to go out further to avoid whatever run-off there might be from any factories/river/agriculture. It could be perfectly fine but it's your call. There's one dude I've read about who uses water out of the long island sound (makes sense since they harvest lobsters/oysters/clams etc for food there too). Then again he has a beer can in his tank for decoration...

Here's another question ... I was looking on www.liverockusa.com ... it looks like they buy Limestone from a quarry or rock yard and dump it in the ocean for a while .... could I buy rock at the landscape yard and start my new tank off with that and just add bacteria to the water? Dumb question but curious ...

Do-able but be careful that the rock has not been exposed to pesticides. You will definitely need to cure the rock too. LR is the foundation of the tank (besides water) - you may want to save money by just waiting for someone to breakdown their tank - it's unfortunate but not everyone is in this for the long haul.

... What are the best stores in NJ/Philly area?

Talk about a loaded question! Lol - if you click on the sponsors - there's a listing of all the stores in NJ (and elsewhere). Trop is amazing - I love their huge display. I like Aquatic Obessions because the service and the quality are excellent. OG II is great for it's selection and convenience to my workplace...hehe.

 

[JRWOHLER]

I think we have a sponsor over towards Trenton too LFS that does pretty nice job, never been there.
Check out our sponsors.

Good luck with the trip. You could get a couple battery powered air pumps for the trip.

Welcome to NJ Reefer and all that.
James