Logistics of Setting Up a Large Tank - How did you do it?

[MstgKillr]

For those of use who have decided to go with a large reef tank, we are faced with some additional problems. Just moving and then placing a large glass tank on top of a stand is probably the first major hurdle.

A standard 180/210 gallon aquarium can be easily moved with just a few people but my 8ft, 3/4 glass tank, is a whole different story. It took 10 grown men just to carry it waist high, into the house. I have no idea how I am going to get it on top of the stand.

So how did you do it? Did you use suction cups, lifts, air bags, jacks, or just a bunch of people. The more info the better! Pictures are even better!

 

[MstgKillr]

To make things worse, I need to do this without messing up the 3/4 piece of foam that goes between the tank and the stand.

 

[ca1ore]

I would think it best to see if those same 10 grown men can help out again. Tape the foam to the stand to prevent it from shifting and slide the tank on.

 

[SPotter]

on my last tank (72x36x28) I had professional movers do it but watched very closely. There was 4 guys that weighed no more than 200 lbs each. They each had a suction cup and lifted the tank onto a cart that was a little higher than my stand. They then wheeled it over to the stand and slid it right onto. For foam we used something that had a shiny silver material on it (can't remember what it is called) and glued it to the plywood that it sat on. I was afraid that when they slid the tank it would rip the foam but it didn't. It slid right into position and they had it on the stand in a matter of minutes. I would check with you lfs and see if they know of any movers in the area that move tanks.

 

[swclown]

I feel your pain. I just brought home a new 8 ft wide 240 two weeks ago. I had 7 people but couldn't get the aquarium in the basement where it needs to go. it was just too heavy and now takes up a large part of my hallway upstairs ) : I'm going to hire movers to get it down the steps but one lesson learned is that the suction cups are a necessity. My group probably could have probably done the job if we had them. You just need more grip than holding on to smooth glass.

 

[echoreef]

Suction cup is a must for large tanks. We moved my 250 gallon glass tank with 4 guys. Noone over 200 lbs. The hardest part was lifting the tank up over our waists and placing down on stand.

 

[IdahoCindy]

I asked our local mortician to help! And he agreed! Ended up not needing his service but would have worked well, I think The cart raises to any height.

 

[swclown]

Suction cup is a must for large tanks. We moved my 250 gallon glass tank with 4 guys. Noone over 200 lbs. The hardest part was lifting the tank up over our waists and placing down on stand.

Exactly. If there are any obstacles in your way or turns that require lifting it above your waist it's not gonna happen without the suction cups.

 

[Jethr0]

am moving a 9x2x2 this weekend.. have 4 suction cups.. it only weighs 200kg so between 4 guys it shouldn't be too bad

 

[Dmorty217]

The moving straps you can get, and make yourself for larger tanks works wonders. A buddy and I carried my 220g from the front yard into the house and put it on the stand which is 45" high. Suction cups are also highly recommended for larger tanks for sure. Some tanks only a forklift or crane will do for moving

 

[anbosu]

This is exactly why I got acrylic for my 360. I've always had glass in the past, but it get so unbelievably heavy when the tanks get over 6'.

 

[Ldagger]

one way that works in a pinch is to place a piece of foam under one end of the tank with the tank being approx 4 feet away from the stand. (if 8 foot tank)Then life one end of the tank and place it on the stand pulling around the other half on the floor. center on stand and then pick up other end and slide all the way into position. It is much easier to use the floor and stand to help hold the weight and everyone can lift from the same end. A smaller person can stand on the appropriate side to keep it from sliding off the stand. i put a 500 gal glass tank on the stand with 3 guys this way.

 

[Ldagger]

not life but lift i meant : )
also use the back of a pickup truck to get it as close to location as possible. then use regular moving pallets with wheels to move around. The idea is to avoid ever having to dead lift the entire tank at once. You can raise the height somewhat by lifting one end, then adding some blocks to that end, then do the other in step wise fashion. if careful you might could use the block method all the way up as well. one side then the other, back and forth.

 

[Ldagger]

moving pallets with wheels will roll over grass with a ply wood path.