Replacing stand on existing tank - tips?

[OriginalUserName]

So, one of the end panels on my Reefer 650 stand is bowing. Red Sea is sending me replacement panels (I've asked for an entire new stand but we will see what they say).

Either way I will need to move the tank off the existing stand, move the old stand out of the way and either fix it or move the new one in place, and then put the tank back on. Plus I'm a little wary of decreased strength due to removing and replacing screws etc. No matter what this is going to be a metric PITA. The new stand option will lower the time that things are offline by quite a bit.

I have a 100 gallon rubbermaid trough so my plan is the drain all the water I can into that. Transport fish and any loose corals there as a holding bin. My rockwork isn't particularly heavy and is cemented together with marco cement so I plan on leaving it in place and spraying down any corals that I can't move with water to keep them from drying out. To reduce the weight on the tank as I move it I will probably toss as much of my sand as possible.

Does anyone see a particular problem with moving the tank with the rock inside? Some foam sheets placed around it to prevent falling rock from breaking the sides is a good idea. I'm probably going to have to hire my local LFS to assist unless I can beg help from the local reef club.

Anything I'm not considering?

 

[Big G]

So sorry you have to go through all this work. I'd really lean on them to send you a whole new stand for all the reasons you posted.

I'd consider getting another rubbermaid and putting the rock and sand in there to keep them cycled - thinking about avoiding mini cycles.
And moving the tank with the extra weight of the rocks creating pressure points on the glass would also concern me.

Hiring some help is a great idea. ;)

A couple of cheap powerheads and bubblers to keep the O2 levels up.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I agree with @Big G get them to send you a new stand. the changeover will be a challenge. drain the tank as far as you can, remove your rock and put it into rubber totes. Get a friend to help you, put the new stand in front of the old, and slide the tank forward, then remove the old stand and slide the new stand into place and transfer the rest of your stuff over from old stand to new :) Hope this helps and good luck with your journey :)

 

[OriginalUserName]

That's why I've decided to really press the issue on a completely new stand. If they balk I'll have to ask BRS to lean on them as well.

I was thinking that, if I have the new stand I'll be able to essentially just slide the tank around as you mentioned. That will also save me having 4 guys on hand to move the dang thing.

 

[OriginalUserName]

Good news, Red Sea is sending me a whole new stand. Obviously I'm frustrated by the whole thing but they are working with me and standing behind their product.

 

[rkpetersen]

Good news, Red Sea is sending me a whole new stand. Obviously I'm frustrated by the whole thing but they are working with me and standing behind their product.

This is exceptionally good to hear. :)