IMMEDIATE ADVICE PLEASE! Moving Glass 280 Gallon Tank Tomorrow

[2ManyTanks]

Okay, we scored a killer deal on a 280 glass tank, with all equipment (dosing system, controller, tunze powerheads/controller, chiller, fish etc). The tank is 7' long and 30" wide. Had to help break it down today and have to move the tank tomorrow.

We are planning on getting casual labor to help move it with a total of 6 guys moving it. I was thinking about making a plywood platform on rolling, locking casters to make it easier to move to the truck and then into the house. That idea is we can lift the tank to the platform, roll it to the truck, lift in into the truck and strap it down, lift it off the truck while it is on the 3/4" plywood and roll it in the house. Does this make sense? Will that make it easier? Never moved something so heavy and bulky...

[Mike N]

Whatever you do remove any bulkheads before you move or lift it.

Also, you may wish to use 2x4's under the plywood to add stability length-wise. 3/4" plywood can flex over a 7' length and flexing mixed with glass can be a really bad thing.

Unfortunately, I have first hand experience with aquariums being destroyed during a move. Hire your help carefully, and check everything twice.

[Kris]

The only thing that makes lifting a heavy coffin easier is having good handles that fit the crews mittens.

If you use a flat piece of plywood to hold onto while trying to carry the tank at least tape the plywood (or strap it) onto the tank so everything moves as a unit. Just don't crush the tank with the straps!

Yes, WHEELS are good.

Two little moving dollies underneath the "coffin" resting on the frame and not on the glass! can be helpful if the road does not have a lot of cracks and bumps to roll over. 6 guys (with backs better than mine) makes the lifting work easier. GO slow, think it out, be safe! Good luck.

[2ManyTanks]

Thank you, hadn't thought about moving dollies under it- that sounds like a good idea!

[2ManyTanks]

That would work- I can screw together a frame of 2x4's to put under the plywood. Then put the furniture dollies under that. And yeah- there is a bulkhead on the overflow so we'll be sure to remove it.

[2ManyTanks]

Thanks for the advice, we did the platform with a 2x4 frame and 2 furniture dollies. It worked really well and we got the tank home from Orange County!

[mrtintsd]

Too Late now but here is how I did a 225 Solo

[Zrobotz]

You don't have leveling feet on your stand?


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[mrtintsd]

I don't. I shimmed one side 1/2". Got lucky. Floor was pretty level. Water line with coast to coast is perfect on overflow


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[Zrobotz]

Nice shim works too


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