Moving large glass tank into house and onto stand?

[Oberst Hajj]

I'm wondering how you guys that have big glass tanks getting them into your house and onto the stand? I have a 270g (84x30x25) glass tank on order and am trying to work out the logistics of getting it on the stand.

I know it is going to take a lot of guys to move it, but how many have you guys found to be the correct number? Do I need to buy a bunch of those glass suction cup holders or would it be better to build kind of a wooden stretcher out of 2x4s and plywood and hand holds to set the tank on and then carry it in on that? I could also build a rolling table to set that on once inside so that it could be rolled over to the stand (that would only be about 10 feet from the front door) and slid from it the stand.

The rolling stand seems like it might be over kill, but it would make it easier to transfer the tank off of the stretcher and onto the stand since the weight would be supported.

What are your thoughts on all of this?

 

[DaneGer21]

IMO it would take between 10-12 men to move that tank both safely and comfortably.

I have a 60x36x24, all 1/2” glass, double glass panel bottom, top eurobracing and I had 9 guys(including me), but only took between 6-7 to help move it easily.

We didn’t use and suction cups. One good thing about enough people we were able to tip it easily and get under it. Once at the stand we positioned it correctly where nobody’s hands were in the way, and then we slid it on.

 

[Patientman]

Hand eight great friends move my 240 (72x30x24) into my townhouse … through front door then down steps into basement. Had four suction cups which were a BIG help! if you can … try to have a few extra folks as it would have been easier "passing" tank through the (narrow) front door … having maybe four inside to steady the tank as others "caught" up once inside.

 

[Oberst Hajj]

IMO it would take between 10-12 men to move that tank both safely and comfortably.

I have a 60x36x24, all 1/2” glass, double glass panel bottom, top eurobracing and I had 9 guys(including me), but only took between 6-7 to help move it easily.

We didn’t use and suction cups. One good thing about enough people we were able to tip it easily and get under it. Once at the stand we positioned it correctly where nobody’s hands were in the way, and then we slid it on.

Thanks for the insight. That seems like a lot of dudes. If the tank weighs 400lbs and six guys were moving it, that is only about 67lbs per guy. I was thinking one on each end and two along each side to actually move it. Then another two guys inside the door way to takeover when the side guys get "scrapped off" as we enter the door.

 

[DaneGer21]

Thanks for the insight. That seems like a lot of dudes. If the tank weighs 400lbs and six guys were moving it, that is only about 67lbs per guy. I was thinking one on each end and two along each side to actually move it. Then another two guys inside the door way to takeover when the side guys get "scrapped off" as we enter the door.

Remember, better to be safe than sorry, and make it comfortable to lift for everyone, not right at your “max”.

 

[Oberst Hajj]

Hand eight great friends move my 240 (72x30x24) into my townhouse … through front door then down steps into basement. Had four suction cups which were a BIG help! if you can … try to have a few extra folks as it would have been easier "passing" tank through the (narrow) front door … having maybe four inside to steady the tank as others "caught" up once inside.

Thanks. I can see how the suction cups would be helpful when transferring it to the stand. I was also already thinking about extra people to "pass" it through the door.

 

[Oberst Hajj]

Remember, better to be safe than sorry, and make it comfortable to lift for everyone, not right at your “max”.

Very true and with a 7' tank, it would be easy to get 3 people per side.

 

[DaneGer21]

My above tank was 520lbs, INCLUDING the shipping crate. I still have the shipping bill in my email haha. Plus, we left it safely in the crate until it was near the stand.

So even at 7 people, that’s 75lbs each. Doesn’t seem like a lot at first but after a few minutes of maneuvering it is, haha!

 

[Chrysemys]

Good luck moving your tank. One bit of advise. Take off your wedding ring and make your friends do the same. Or any ring for that matter. If a ring catches the edge it will chip it.

 

[RobB'z Reef]

Thanks for the insight. That seems like a lot of dudes. If the tank weighs 400lbs and six guys were moving it, that is only about 67lbs per guy. I was thinking one on each end and two along each side to actually move it. Then another two guys inside the door way to takeover when the side guys get "scrapped off" as we enter the door.

Last summer i fretted about this greatly. I moved a 180 (72x25x24) with only 4 guys and it was a breeeze. Most challenges will be if you have to make any tight turns or go up and down stairs, which of course we had all of. Still it wasn't as bad as I thought. Budget 100lbs per dude and you'll be fine.

 

[RJKain-777]

I hired a moving company to move mine, they showed up with only 5 guys... my tanks 84x32x30

 

[Mellotang]

Hire a moving company

they send professional movers that are already comfortable Working together with heavy items

much better than trying to coordinate 10 ordinary reefers

 

[Oberst Hajj]

I had thought about hiring a moving company. I'll at least see what they want to charge. Another benefit would be that if anything went wrong, their insurance would cover any damage to the tank while moving it.

 

[Ippyroy]

Here is an interesting video. This guy has a great, very detailed videos about building his tank, and it's huge.


Worth giving a look. He rented a scissor lift.

 

[DaneGer21]

much better than trying to coordinate 10 ordinary reefers

Luckily for my case, all were close friends; I was/am the only ordinary reefer out of them haha

If paying for a service makes you comfortable, by all means!

 

[RJKain-777]

Yes moving company was great, they have insurance, know what they’re doing, and have proper tools for the job. I spent $400 to move my tank. Imagine if I moved it, dropped it and broke it? I’d be out $7000 on a tank I just purchased. They break it? Well they replace it...

 

[mfinn]

6 guys could do it just fine.
But having 2 extras there to provide any extra support going through door ways or corners.
I moved my 240 with 6 and it went smooth.

 

[reeferKen]

down to a basement here for some ideas

 

[Mellotang]

Watching that video gave me anxiety

Geeze that was stressful

that’s why i hire professionals movers

 

[Mellotang]

Probably Should have just got An acrylic tank