Moving fish question

[Joshuakahan]

I’m gonna be moving early next year and my plan is to bring my fish to the new house a week early and use large Rubbermaid tubs as temporary tanks. My concern is that the heater could burn through the plastic since where we’re moving it will probably be cold and the heaters will be running nonstop.
Is that an issue? Has anyone ever done this?

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

Theoretically, as long as it's running at an appropriate temperature, a heater wouldn't burn through plastic if it's not touching said plastic. I don't know just how you'd keep it from touching the plastic during the whole move though.

 

[Joshuakahan]

Theoretically, as long as it's running at an appropriate temperature, a heater wouldn't burn through plastic if it's not touching said plastic. I don't know just how you'd keep it from touching the plastic during the whole move though.

The heaters will just be used in the tubs once I get the fish to the new house, but I don’t think the suction cups will work on a tub so they’ll be hanging free and I’m sure they’ll touch, I’m just wondering if being under water will keep them from burning through. I guess I could put a space heater in the garage and not run heaters, but that might be an expensive electric bill

 

[chopsteeks]

I transported fish using plastic storage containers, travel timeover 24 hours during winter quite a few times. Never had issues with the heater burning thru plastic. With constant motion, heater will never stay in one place long enough to do any damage. Heater gets warm but submerged in 80 degree water, will not get hot enough to do any damage.

 

[Joshuakahan]

I transported fish using plastic storage containers, travel timeover 24 hours during winter quite a few times. Never had issues with the heater burning thru plastic. With constant motion, heater will never stay in one place long enough to do any damage. Heater gets warm but submerged in 80 degree water, will not get hot enough to do any damage.

Ok thanks! The transport will only be 6 hours, but im gonna have to leave them at the new house for a few days ahead of the move. But sounds like it should work. I’m also thinking I could just leave them in the empty house with house thermostat set at 78 and not use a heater for those few days

 

[tlindsey]

I could just leave them in the empty house with house thermostat set at 78 and not use a heater for those few days

I personally like this idea. Depending on how dry or humid the house is inside you may have water evaporating from the totes slowly or quickly.

 

[Joshuakahan]

I personally like this idea. Depending on how dry or humid the house is inside you may have water evaporating from the totes slowly or quickly.

It’s gonna be in New Mexico so I imagine it will evaporate quickly but I don’t think it will get below the HOB intake in 3 days. I’m currently in Phoenix and my garage tanks lose about an inch a day with fans running 24/7. I’m gonna fill them high and put light diffusers on top to prevent jumping.

 

[fishguy1978]

With water movement it should not be an issue.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

I’m gonna be moving early next year and my plan is to bring my fish to the new house a week early and use large Rubbermaid tubs as temporary tanks. My concern is that the heater could burn through the plastic since where we’re moving it will probably be cold and the heaters will be running nonstop.
Is that an issue? Has anyone ever done this?

As long as it's not touching the plastic it will be completely fine. If it is touching the plastic, it still will be fine.

Water conducts heat so well most heaters don't even get warm operating. Try putting a finger on one of your heaters while it's running. Unless it's some really small high wattage one, unlike all that I've had, it will barely even get warm under your finger no matter how long you wait.. Have to wrap your hand around it and give 30 seconds before it starts getting uncomfortable.

 

[TUCCI]

It’s gonna be in New Mexico so I imagine it will evaporate quickly but I don’t think it will get below the HOB intake in 3 days. I’m currently in Phoenix and my garage tanks lose about an inch a day with fans running 24/7. I’m gonna fill them high and put light diffusers on top to prevent jumping.

I lived in Phoenix for 42yrs and unless the garage is vented from the house AC it gets horribly hot out there, how are you able to keep the water temps in the acceptable range?
I'm in Northern Colorado and I've got a 75g in my garage (with a couch, big screen and creature comforts) with the temps around 76 and the humidity is around 50%. This is very manageable for my requirements of 78 for my tank. I often thought of setting up a man cave when I lived there but found it unfavorable.