270G Tank Downstairs - Question

[wr_mem]

First, ReefCentral is an incredible resource and reading through these amazing posts has convinced me to start feeding my addiction again.

That said, I'm in the planning phase (building out the basement) for a new, larger system, and I need some advice. The display tank I'm planning will be an approx. 270G mixed-reef, glass tank installed downstairs. Placing it here gives me the ability to have a true fish/equipment room -- a must-have in order to simplify maintenance and provide the room for all the "goodies". My problem is that I really want to go with a 36" wide glass tank for aquascaping purposes (72x36x24 - external overflow), but the only way to get it down the stairs into the basement will be on it's side (so the 24" height become the width) as the stairway is /just/ "36".

Has anyone had any experience moving a glass tank this heavy, downstairs, in this manner (i.e. on its side)? It's a straight stairway, but there isn't a whole lot of wriggle room. Is it "structurally sound" to transport a glass aquarium this heavy, in this way, even for a short period? Or would it be better to trim the width a bit -- or even go with acrylic? My past tanks have been acrylic and I haven't had the best of luck with keeping them scratch free -- so I'd prefer glass if possible this time around for long-term enjoyment.

Thanks in advance -- and when I actually have the tank on order I'll share the build pics!

 

[SaraB]

Here's a creative way of getting a tank downstairs if you have not yet read this thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1354165

I went with Acrylic personally. I also made a 2x4 mock-up of the tank to make sure I could make it down the stairs. I didn't have a straight stairs, so I had to modify my mock-up several times to make it down.

 

[wr_mem]

Thanks -- I've been following both your and wmilas' thread for awhile -- great setup btw! I believe he brought his tank in through a window (which won't work for me). I don't think physical access is an issue for me (and with enough body's, 2x6's, straps and suction cups!), I'm just wondering if there's anything in the design of a glass aquarium that would make it a real "don't do that" moment to put it on it's side to muscle it down the stairs.

Thanks again!

 

[SaraB]

I would not worry about anything carrying the tank into the basement other than friends dropping it. Nothing structurally should be affected by the move down.

Thanks for the compliment on my tank build! Look forward to following yours as well!

 

[Discustopia]

If the tank builder is local, simply get it assembled on site.
As with anything of this magnitutde - ask to see prior work.

 

[wr_mem]

Thanks -- every manufacturer I'm considering is not local, unfortunately. No one seems overly concerned, so I take that as a good sign. I'll give it a try -- worst case scenario is I have a 600lbs paperweight!