How are monster tanks moved?

Awesome458

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Hello,

I’m just getting back into this hobby after a 40 year hiatus… So, I want to go big and I’m looking at a 517 gallon tank (12’ long x 30” wide x 30” deep) or a 654 gallon (14’ x 30” x30”). Kudos to those of you that look at these sizes and say your sump is bigger :), but that’s about the largest tank my space can accommodate.

My question is how these behemoths are moved / delivered and set into place. Although I have double French doors in one room, a long tank cannot make the turn into the foyer. So, I have to go through the front door (straight shot basically) to the placement location. Hence the limit of 30” in width, as it’s a 32” opening on the door.

With such a long tank, how are they moved? How is the long span supported to prevent damage? What are the best practices for moving these big tanks?

I should note that I’m looking at an acrylic tank, not glass… Lots of WWF wrestlers on each side??? Just kidding! I’ve never moved anything this large before, so pardon the cheeky noob question…

Also, any negatives on monster acrylic tanks? I’m concerned about scratching, but believe I can mitigate that to a large extent. I should note I’m building an all predator saltwater tank for this build. My mixed reef monster tank will be in another room and built later.

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Cheers!
 
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RELLIK-REEF

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Quality suction cups, 2- 4 wheel heavy duty furniture dollies 1- 6 wheel dolly. 4 people no problem, 6 people even better. Check with your local equipment rental place they could have them.
I bought the cups and 4 wheels but borrowed the 6 wheel from a friend. This made moving tanks way easier. We moved a 750 gallon acrylic with 4 people easily. Good luck with your plan. Just don't rush pay attention.
Screenshot_20220618-093140_Chrome.jpg
Screenshot_20220618-093558_Chrome.jpg
Screenshot_20220618-093916_Google.jpg
 
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Awesome458

Awesome458

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Hello.
Just build the tank in place?.
Thanks for your reply… My plan is to have it built by the manufacturer due to the need for specialised equipment and assembly techniques. I did think about trying to find a on-site builder, but discounted it due to the complexity of the assembly.

Cheers!
 
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Awesome458

Awesome458

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Quality suction cups, 2- 4 wheel heavy duty furniture dollies 1- 6 wheel dolly. 4 people no problem, 6 people even better. Check with your local equipment rental place they could have them.
I bought the cups and 4 wheels but borrowed the 6 wheel from a friend. This made moving tanks way easier. We moved a 750 gallon acrylic with 4 people easily. Good luck with your plan. Just don't rush pay attention.
Screenshot_20220618-093140_Chrome.jpg
Screenshot_20220618-093558_Chrome.jpg
Screenshot_20220618-093916_Google.jpg
Thanks so much for your assistance! I will definitely look into these tools. Cheers!
 

o2manyfish

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I have a 750g acrylic tank being built right now by Titan Exhibits. 120x48x30. I've already made arrangements for a crane (70 ton crane) to lift the tank off the delivery truck and hoist the tank over the house and set it into the back yard. From the back yard it's going to be a straight shot into the back of the house, where fortunately the tank is going (the back of the house). I have 2 Hydraulic lift carts.

I just need a handful of friends to slide the tank out of the crate onto the hydraulic carts - And we have 6 vaccum grips to assist with that. And then we can roll the carts into the house, lift the tank, and then slide it onto the stand.

Now, at this moment, this is all theory. But the tank should be delivered in July and we will hopefully see if theory and reality are in any way the same.

Dave B
 

C_AWOL

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Frankly for a tank that long if building on site is an option, I would opt for that even if it's acrylic.

Assuming it's not then you will need plenty of hands + lots of 10" glass suction cups (even for acrylic), lift carts or furniture carts in general, and lots of beer.

Not sure how thick the acrylic would need to be on a 14-16' monster but the acrylic on my 8' 450 is 1" thick all around and took 4 people to move
 

JPM San Diego

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I recommend hiring an aquarium management company that moves tanks for a living.
Obviously it will cost more, but I believe it is well worth it.
I live in San Diego; my consultant it Reliant Aquarium Design. For several years they have helped me with my reef tanks.
A month ago they move in my Waterbox 7225. They brought the proper equipment and know how.
Plus, they didn't just move it in. Using their laser levers they set up the tank properly, filled it and set up the rock work.
 

JPM San Diego

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So, you want to see a crane moving an aquarium.
This is from my consultant's Instagram account.
I am not social media savvy. I had to take a screen shot to get the image.
Enjoy.

Screen Shot 2022-06-30 at 6.43.11 PM.png
Screen Shot 2022-06-30 at 6.43.11 PM.png
 

Johnz

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I installed my 310 gallon glass aquarium while my home was under construction. Drove a tractor with forks into the house and then slid it off with 4 guys. Was still nerve wracking. Custom aquariums loaned me enough suction cups to do the job. If I had to do it again I would call a local moving company and get more muscle. Most independent moving companies will do small things like move pianos, tanks etc between other jobs for a reasonable price. If it's acrylic I don't think you will have a problem.

20211227_161112.jpg
 

Jedi1199

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Quality suction cups, 2- 4 wheel heavy duty furniture dollies 1- 6 wheel dolly. 4 people no problem, 6 people even better. Check with your local equipment rental place they could have them.
I bought the cups and 4 wheels but borrowed the 6 wheel from a friend. This made moving tanks way easier. We moved a 750 gallon acrylic with 4 people easily. Good luck with your plan. Just don't rush pay attention.
Screenshot_20220618-093140_Chrome.jpg
Screenshot_20220618-093558_Chrome.jpg
Screenshot_20220618-093916_Google.jpg


I like the 6 wheeler option as it will make crossing the threshold of the door much easier.

Problem with a dozen guys and suction cups is simple if you think about it.. 30" wide tank, 32" wide door.. some poor sap will be stuck supporting an entire end of the tank as you try to get it through the door.

My 135g glass tank, was easy enough to move in with 2 people and a 4 wheeled dolly as pictured above.
 

Jedi1199

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This should do the job. 1 of these in the middle of the tank will make the move effortless.

1656647651448.png



Notice how the wheels are rockered? Meaning that not all wheels are flat and in contact with the ground at once. That will allow you to cross over the threshold of the door with a little bit of tip down one end and tip up once you have a set of wheels inside.

Getting it on the stand will take a few friends and a couple pizzas and cases of beer...
 
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Awesome458

Awesome458

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So, you want to see a crane moving an aquarium.
This is from my consultant's Instagram account.
I am not social media savvy. I had to take a screen shot to get the image.
Enjoy.

Screen Shot 2022-06-30 at 6.43.11 PM.png
Screen Shot 2022-06-30 at 6.43.11 PM.png
Wow, that’s some serious lifting equipment! Luckily, as long as I keep it at 30” wide max, it can come through the front door. From there, it’s pretty much a straight shot to the DT area. It will probably be an acrylic beastie, which will lessen the overall weight considerably!

Cheers!
 
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Awesome458

Awesome458

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I have a 750g acrylic tank being built right now by Titan Exhibits. 120x48x30. I've already made arrangements for a crane (70 ton crane) to lift the tank off the delivery truck and hoist the tank over the house and set it into the back yard. From the back yard it's going to be a straight shot into the back of the house, where fortunately the tank is going (the back of the house). I have 2 Hydraulic lift carts.

I just need a handful of friends to slide the tank out of the crate onto the hydraulic carts - And we have 6 vaccum grips to assist with that. And then we can roll the carts into the house, lift the tank, and then slide it onto the stand.

Now, at this moment, this is all theory. But the tank should be delivered in July and we will hopefully see if theory and reality are in any way the same.

Dave B
Best wishes to you on your upcoming tank move!

Cheers!
 

Gatorpa

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I have a 750g acrylic tank being built right now by Titan Exhibits. 120x48x30. I've already made arrangements for a crane (70 ton crane) to lift the tank off the delivery truck and hoist the tank over the house and set it into the back yard. From the back yard it's going to be a straight shot into the back of the house, where fortunately the tank is going (the back of the house). I have 2 Hydraulic lift carts.

I just need a handful of friends to slide the tank out of the crate onto the hydraulic carts - And we have 6 vaccum grips to assist with that. And then we can roll the carts into the house, lift the tank, and then slide it onto the stand.

Now, at this moment, this is all theory. But the tank should be delivered in July and we will hopefully see if theory and reality are in any way the same.

Dave B
just curious what was the weight of that tank?
 

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