Proper way to move a large tank?

[gizmo duck]

Currently in the process of finding movers willing to transport a 300 gal glass tank from Oxnard to Long Beach. (No one interested thus far)

In the event I find someone, I need advice on how to safely move the tank. Plywood on multiple furniture dollies comes to mind but that just doesn't seem sturdy enough. Or is it easier to have 5 guys with suction cups carry the tank from stand directly to truck?

Also concerned about the tank during transit, how could I properly support the tank to withstand unforseen events such as the truck hitting a pothole or making a hard turn?

I tried searching RC but I'm finding more info about how to transport the livestock as opposed to the actual tank itself.

Thanks so much!

 

[sberman]

Try
Brian Hoover at aquatic contractors . He might be able to help you out .
He's in thousand oaks

 

[gizmo duck]

Try
Brian Hoover at aquatic contractors . He might be able to help you out .
He's in thousand oaks

Will call him today, thanks!

 

[sberman]

No problem

 

[laverda]

I would put a sheet of 1/2 or thicker Styrofoam on the bed of the truck. To carry the tank all the way to the truck or roll it on furniture dollies depends on where the tank is, obstacles including door ways on the way, distance, surface it is being moved over and how many guys you have. It is petty much impossible to say with out more details. Do not use Harbor Freight furnature dollies. The are very poor quality. You want dollies with larger diameter and width wheels made out of more than 1x4s if possible.

 

[FishProf]

Okay, I've actually done it, and I have the scratches on my wood flooring to attest to it … BTW, no wonder you have no takers from the commercial movers. It's extremely expensive (they also have to carry insurance).

Bought a used 300 gallon (locally, in San Diego). Moved it with the larger Harbor Freight dollies, 3 or 4 of them, and 4 guys. In terms of moving it to the truck, use the dollies and when necessary, have the guys lift it - it's heavy, but distributed over 4 6ft 200lb+ guys should be fine. Same for the unloading. Trucking it: I have an F150 short bed (5.5ft). The tank is 8ft by 30" wide by 2ft high. It fit and I drove on the freeways no problem. Now, your distance is substantially longer. I would put it on plywood then the thin foam board used for insulating walls (on the bottom, front, and back - that thing will not tip over, especially with tiedowns). And then, drive cautiously and defensively (55-60 mph, occasionally turning on the hazard blinkers) - no need to be too slow, and your tires/shocks will absorb pretty much all. It's going to be an adventure and you'll be happy when it will be over.

Now, for the wood flooring scratches. Be super cautious to have all the dollies' wheels turned in the direction you are going before pushing them. I counted on them self-aligning, and I shouldn't (wife considered causing me severe bodily harm, then I got away with her taking a diving trip to Belize's Blue Hole as a 'revenge' ).

BTW, putting the tank back on the stand would be another headache. I designed the metal stand in such a way that I will be able to position the tank & stand in place, then used two 2-ton bottle hydraulic jacks (yes, Harbor Freight again) to lift the tank & stand, remove the dollies, and set it down in its final resting place.

Disclaimer: I'm assuming nearly no stairs. If you have more than half a flight of stairs, especially going up. All bets are off. I would not consider this without lifting machinery (check again Harbor Fright, they have also serious lifts too, search for "1 ton capacity telescoping gantry crane" and the like).

 

[gizmo duck]

Okay, I've actually done it, and I have the scratches on my wood flooring to attest to it "¦ BTW, no wonder you have no takers from the commercial movers. It's extremely expensive (they also have to carry insurance).

Bought a used 300 gallon (locally, in San Diego). Moved it with the larger Harbor Freight dollies, 3 or 4 of them, and 4 guys. In terms of moving it to the truck, use the dollies and when necessary, have the guys lift it - it's heavy, but distributed over 4 6ft 200lb+ guys should be fine. Same for the unloading. Trucking it: I have an F150 short bed (5.5ft). The tank is 8ft by 30" wide by 2ft high. It fit and I drove on the freeways no problem. Now, your distance is substantially longer. I would put it on plywood then the thin foam board used for insulating walls (on the bottom, front, and back - that thing will not tip over, especially with tiedowns). And then, drive cautiously and defensively (55-60 mph, occasionally turning on the hazard blinkers) - no need to be too slow, and your tires/shocks will absorb pretty much all. It's going to be an adventure and you'll be happy when it will be over.

Now, for the wood flooring scratches. Be super cautious to have all the dollies' wheels turned in the direction you are going before pushing them. I counted on them self-aligning, and I shouldn't (wife considered causing me severe bodily harm, then I got away with her taking a diving trip to Belize's Blue Hole as a 'revenge' ).

BTW, putting the tank back on the stand would be another headache. I designed the metal stand in such a way that I will be able to position the tank & stand in place, then used two 2-ton bottle hydraulic jacks (yes, Harbor Freight again) to lift the tank & stand, remove the dollies, and set it down in its final resting place.

Disclaimer: I'm assuming nearly no stairs. If you have more than half a flight of stairs, especially going up. All bets are off. I would not consider this without lifting machinery (check again Harbor Fright, they have also serious lifts too, search for "1 ton capacity telescoping gantry crane" and the like).

This is great information and exactly what I was looking for. I did get a quote from a commercial mover for best case scenario of high 800's (if they hit no traffic) and if they hit traffic up to 1600.

I had a promising convo with another mover who also quoted in the mid 800 range but I got a good vibe from this guy and just told him I was looking at a transport cost in the 500's. He said he would see what he can do and call me back. Crossing my fingers he calls back...

 

[FishProf]

I think $800 is a very good price. I expected more than that. Take it - or DYI