Ideas on lifting a heavy tank

[KJAhp098]

Hey guys, I found a deal on here for a new aquarium that I couldn't pass up. The dimensions are 60"x30"x24" and it has 3/4" glass...so looks like a little over 400 lbs. The problem is that it's in the basement and simply lifting and carrying it up the stairs is out of the question.

I had a couple ideas in mind and I'd like some advice.

The first is lifting straps...same as what movers use to lift furniture. The problem with this is that the glass is smooth and I'm worried that the straps may slip off the tank.

Second option is using a convertible hand truck to roll up the stairs...maybe even tie a rope to the handle to pull up the stairs with a couple guys pushing from the bottom.

Like most basement stairs, they're only wide enough to have people on the ends of the tank and not the sides.

Any help is much appreciated.

 

[ndwatso]

Same problem but going down stairs. My solution was to hire some neighborhood high school kids and their buddies, cost me a few pizzas and some drinks, but they got it down without a problem.

 

[ArminTamzarian]

Use the hand truck with straps the keep the tank attached. You won't likely need ropes. I moved my 125 up and down a flight of stairs this way without assistance. Two people should be able to handle it.

 

[wantsalotta]

rent suction cups

 

[Volcano1]

I've done it with larger tanks.
Place plywood on steps, cut 1 1/2" PVC pipe slightly smaller than width of tank, depending on which side your going though door with.
Cut another piece of ply to cover the bottom your using.
Place a large pice of Styro on the end against the tank. Place a piece of plywood against that.Wrap a tow strap around the end of the tank.Push from the bottom, pull the strap from the top and tank will roll up the stairs.you can use the rollers to go over threasholds, sidewalks etc. also. It does help to have some suction cups to get it on and off a stand. You can rent them or sometimes borrow from a glass shop. I've moved a 8' x 30"x 24", 800 lber and a 8' x 36" 28", 1,000 lber this way. We did use a Gator to help pull the 1,000 lber up. Go slow ,have a few bodies around.
HTH's,

Todd

 

[KJAhp098]

Thanks for all the help, fellas.

 

[Mikej714]

+1 on the suction cups. I used them to move my 210g glass tank and 420g acrylic tank with no issues. Also used them on my buddies 650g glass tank.

 

[jjmg]

Suction cups and a couple of beefy guys. 400 lbs really isn't that much if you can get a handhold and not have to lift it very high. Make sure the tank will fit around any corners, don't ask why I bring this up!

 

[Tszat]

If you go with the moving straps you can reduce the slipping by cutting up drawer liner material and placing it where you don't want the tank to slip. It's the same type of material that is used to reduce the sliding of rugs.

Good luck.

 

[xtlosx]

I actually did this last year (november) with 3/4" glass, 60x24x24 tank. I ended up getting a friend (twice my size) and we got it into the basement.... Here's the solution.

Moving straps.... two sets of them. Get one of those bathroom rugs (rubber on the bottom) put it on the stairs, and slowly with straps all over, have the strongest person you have on top strap and bring it down. I was on the bottom, pushing back into the tank and SLOWLY we got it down... Took a bit, but we got it... To complicate it further, my stairs are expensive finished hardwoods... The bathroom mat was key. Heck, I have some if you need it.

Good luck, it can be done. We went straight down about 17 stairs. let me know if you need anything.