Moving a 380 gallon glass tank.

[Gizmo18405]

Hi to all. I am new here but have been using this site for its wealth of info and knowledge. I am upgrading my 180 gallon to a 380 gallon (the tank is 96'' long) which I am picking up this sunday. I will be bringing my trailer, 1in foam, straps and a couple friends. I was wondering if I made 2 carts using 2x12 lumber laid flat,cut to 30in long and put heavy duty casters on the bottom would work for carts to roll the tank out of the building. Thanks.

 

[dave.m]

Your casters must be rated for the weight you intend to carry, else they may collapse on you. You might also want to bring along some movers' grade suction cups to pick up the tank and put it down again.

Dave.M

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Better off with smallish (8") rubber wheels, 2 able to turn for easy maneuvering.

 

[Gizmo18405]

I was planning in using heavy duty casters to hold the weight which I am guessing is around 1000lbs. Will the 2x12s laid flat at each end be enough to support the tank?

 

[Bilk]

If I am understanding the plan, you're idea is to strap the 2x12 to the bottom of the tank. The 2x12 will have casters on them to facilitate rolling. That should be fine. The 2x12 are just there to affix the casters to. The tank is self-supporting, meaning it won't break in half if you pick it up from each and and not support it in the middle.

 

[Bilk]

Also as mentioned before, the casters must be rated for the weight - 1000/4 plus a safety factor. Something like 300lbs per. There are slim pickings in the big box store for them.

 

[Bilk]

Buy 2 $20 furniture dollys and use them. They're rated for 1000lbs each and they have usefulness after the move of the tank

 

[vair]

Add a couple more friends...

 

[sfsuphysics]

Add a couple more friends...

What he said.

The cost of some beer and pizza is a small price to pay for not dropping a large tank.

 

[Gizmo18405]

Thanks guys I appreciate it. I will look into the furniture carts First. I am very excited to upgrade my 180gal however it will be a few months before I get this 380 up and running. I will be also looking for assistance with how to plumb my closed loop system and have started a thread for that. Thanks for the help.

 

[ace_92101]

For the cost of the tank, and being glass, I'd have it professionally done.

 

[Psirex]

Not sure where you're located but you can buy furniture moving coasters prebuilt and rated for 1000+ pounds for like $30 each....

http://m.harborfreight.com/material...irect/not provided&utm_medium=mobile_redirect

 

[Bilk]

HD has the furniture dollies for $19.95 You can also rent suction handles from the HD tool rental area. Probably not a bad idea to have a few on hand during the move. Unless you plan on going into the tank moving or glass installing business, there's probably no need to buy them

 

[Gizmo18405]

That is great info and I appreciate it. I do have a truck load of guys going with me and the guy I'm getting the tank from does installs but I like to be over prepared just incase.Thank You

 

[jformani]

For $250 you can get 4 movers out there and get it done right.

 

[Gizmo18405]

Got Tank moved safely. I built a 16ft long ramp out of 2X10s and we lifted tank on to dollies and using my ramp we wheeled the tank across a flight of stairs right into my truck which was almost level with top of the stairs. It couldn't have went any better.

 

[ace_92101]

Glad it was moved safely. Looking forward to seeing the progress.

 

[davebehlen]

Northern Tool or Harbor Freight stores have descent dollies....I would just go for the invite friends over....or coworkers, ect. If your stand is ready, you can carry the tank in and set it right in place all in 1 go without the cost of dollies and boards....

Precut a few 2x4s and lay out in at planned stops if needing to do stop & go moves....if you have to set it down on the ground....but....

If you know anyone with strong enough saw horses, those would help so you don't ever have to take it DOWN to the ground.....in other words UP off the trailer....and then UP to the stand....but never down to the ground.

This link has a pair rated at combined 2000 lbs....They would need 2x4s screwed on to them (board on edge, not flat) to be wide enough for the tank though.

http://www.toolbarn.com/fulton-ts-1...=CIiaqMXT6rwCFYVZ7Aod5S8ARA&type=related_view