how to lift 600+lbs tank

[smellfishy]

I am looking for ideas on the safest way to move and lift a large acrylic tank on to a 40" stand? The tank is 96x36x30 all 1" cell cast.

 

[GMFett]

I'd get about 8 dudes and if you want- try the suction cups used for carrying sheets of glass. You may be able to rent them at a local rental store.

 

[triggerfish1976]

You can get small hydraulic lifts from equipment rental places but you are still going to need some manpower to move it onto the stand. I had a tank with your exact dimensions and it took 4 medium sized guys and we struggled to lift it onto the stand.
I would recommend that you strap it onto dollies and wheel it as close to the tank as possible and then lift it up onto the stand or like GMFett said, get 8 guys and just muscle it.

 

[dsandfort]

I raised mine by myself using an automotive floor jack, cinder blocks and 2x4s. Raise end on end 8" at a time building piers under the corners. When it's tall enough, place 2x4 beams (2, 2x4s screwed together) across the piers and stand. Then just slide the tank across. It helps to put plastic on the beams for the slide.