325g glass tank Move-Who can do it?

[bigsink]

I recently acquired a 325g (84"x30"x30") glass tank. I need to move it from my garage down into the basement into my fishroom. It must go through a VERY narrow doorway and down 10 steps into the basement. I am looking for suggestions on how to accomplish this. I am pondering calling a professional moving company. Who do I call? I was told to contact rigger companies. Does this sound right? Any questions I should ask? What do I need to know? I just want the tank and stand moved into the fishroom and have it professionally leveled. BTW, it is going on a concrete slab in the basement.

 

[mdntrdr]

Are you sure it will fit through the door?

 

[camaroboy8691]

a rigging company would be a good choice . but may cost a good bit . probably your best bet would be to go find some strong guys and buy them a case of beer to drink after the tank is down stairs . dont let them drink it before . lol

also if you are unsure that it will fit where you are plaining on taking it . make up a skeleton frame the same size as the tank out of wooden furring strips and have yourself and someone else carry this object threw the hallway to its destination this way you can see if it will fit rather than trying to man handle the big heavy tank into a postion you are stuck into . just a thought since i know alot of customers who do this with the equipment we make at our shop .

 

[bigsink]

Are you sure it will fit through the door?

It will fit, but it is real tight. There is no room to put guys on the side of the tank down the stairs.

 

[bigsink]

a rigging company would be a good choice . but may cost a good bit . probably your best bet would be to go find some strong guys and buy them a case of beer to drink after the tank is down stairs . dont let them drink it before . lol

also if you are unsure that it will fit where you are plaining on taking it . make up a skeleton frame the same size as the tank out of wooden furring strips and have yourself and someone else carry this object threw the hallway to its destination this way you can see if it will fit rather than trying to man handle the big heavy tank into a postion you are stuck into . just a thought since i know alot of customers who do this with the equipment we make at our shop .

Good idea on the frame. I will try this weekend.

 

[discus510]

It will fit, but it is real tight. There is no room to put guys on the side of the tank down the stairs.

good luck gettin the tank out. its a good idea if do it urself to get suction cups made for carryin granite or glass. jsut tat alone goin to cost u like 400 bucks =)

 

[bigsink]

good luck gettin the tank out. its a good idea if do it urself to get suction cups made for carryin granite or glass. jsut tat alone goin to cost u like 400 bucks =)

I can get my hands on suction cups, but cannot have people on the sides. So that means 4 people and that is not enough to move it.

 

[phuzzykins]

I had a simpler move, and still ended up hiring professionals. There's a big benefit to having someone who's bonded and insured handle the move, IMHO.

 

[bigsink]

The prices I am getting from professionals is INSANE! I can buy a new tank and have it delivered for less. Oh MY!! What a disappointment!

 

[bag151]

Did you try your local tank manufacture or maintenance company? They are fairly well versed in moving large tanks and they were a lot cheaper then professional movers.

 

[johny]

The best way to do this is not trying to carry down the stair but to slide it down. You have to have stair runner installed to protect the tank. I did this with an 180gal with a glass bottom (no frame) with only 2 people. Just take your time sliding one step at a time.

 

[camaroboy8691]

after reading this again im sooooo glad i have a forklift to help install my 600gal tank . lol this is about the 1st time im doing something the easyway .


hey just a thought . check craigslist might be able to find a cheap mover or help on there . but like stated its nice to know someone who has insurance incase something would happen

 

[discus510]

dont need on side. 2 in front 2 in back with the suction cups would be a lot better jsut dont use those cheapy one tat lose suction

 

[discus510]

aprobably your best bet would be to go find some strong guys and buy them a case of beer to drink after the tank is down stairs . dont let them drink it before . lol
let them drink first =) ppl r stronger when drunk

 

[Lps157]

Try a piano moving co. Father in law owns one and their some of the most careful movers you'll find. And I can't image them charging that much for it.

 

[bigsink]

dont need on side. 2 in front 2 in back with the suction cups would be a lot better jsut dont use those cheapy one tat lose suction

Tank is too heavy for 4 people with suction cups and passageway is too narrow.

 

[bigsink]

Try a piano moving co. Father in law owns one and their some of the most careful movers you'll find. And I can't image them charging that much for it.

I will call a few piano movers tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Bax]

If that tank is 3/4" glass, there is no way 4 averge people, no! Four really freakishly strong people can get it down those stairs in one piece. Trust me, I moved a 8' x 30 x 30 and seven of us almost dropped it! We had plenty of room and two guys were huge dudes, three of us are tough little MF'rs and two guys were average guys!

Hire a move crew for that one for sure!

And check their insurance is paid up!

 

[HoustonScott]

You may have to build a dolly for the aquarium, to slide it down.
Build a flat surface on the stair well. Send it down on the dolly
with a line at the upstairs to control it being lowered.

HS

 

[happyvalley]

You might have to move the droids