Best way to travel with a 180 gallon tank

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EdPo21

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 10, 2012
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USA
I am going to be buying a house soon and I would like to get a 180 gallon fish tank from my LFS. Was just wondering if anybody had some helpful tips on moving in a truck bed without it cracking?


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EdPo21 said:
I am going to be buying a house soon and I would like to get a 180 gallon fish tank from my LFS. Was just wondering if anybody had some helpful tips on moving in a truck bed without it cracking?


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Have 3 2x4 blocks length wise under the tank, ur tank is 180 so 24"? Id cut the 2x4 about 28-30" just set1 in the middle and one on each ends, if you think u mite brake hard or drive like crap tie it down. As long as u put it in the corner up against the cab it should be fine as long as u drive careful! Make sure nothing is left in the tank and that nothing is lose enough in the bed.

Gl

#1 S. Vettel
 
If you're buying a new tank, it's worth it to buy an acrylic tank. I've had all kinds of problems moving glass tanks before but acrylic is solid and sturdy. If you drop an acrylic, the chances of it cracking are very low, but a glass one would probably crack or shatter.
 
:iagree:
I moved a 185 gallon w/ 1/2 thick glass took 4 of us to move it safely but ,still heavy as hell. Really depends on the tank glass or acrylic and the build. For my 400 gallon acrylic I hired a moving company, not worth risking my back. Four guys showed up thinking it was going to be a cake walk. Well after they struggled with the tank ( approx. 350 lbs) next was the stand home made by the guy I was buying it from. Lets just say he took no short cuts on the build. Well after wheels flying off the floor dollies, they called in reiforcements for the move of the stand. In all took 7 guys to get into the truck, they said it probably was close to 600 lbs.

Tank and stand are so heavy together i can barley move it from the wall when its empty.

So good luck with your new tank, just make sure you put it where you want it in the begining.
:headbang2
 
Make sure you strap the top of the tank to the truck so that when you hit a bump the tank would not move. Most of the time I see ppl don't strap the top and it's the main reason why it crack. It would help if you drive granny style to avoid adding more stress to the tank. Since its summer season you should not add water if the glass is hot


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I just strapped mine in tight. I carried it into my basement with one other friend... mind you we are both professional movers hahah. So I would recommend at least 4 for normal people.
 
The safest way to move it would be by using a U-haul van if its local or their 10' truck. 2 resonably strong people can move one but the more the merrier. I have moved 2 180 tanks and the first time I used a friends pick-up truck the the tank and stand were a TIGHT fit. The second time I rented the U-haul and I was a much easier process. If you are buying one new I would rent a truck... the money you save is not worth cracking the tank.
 
Honestly Transporting my 180 was the worst experience in the hobby so far...me and my friend got it from some guy on craigslist in my friends minivan. We forgot rope to tie the trunk and it was too far to drive back so I sat in the back trying to hold the trunk closed because the tank was about a foot too long...my one tip is bring rope, lots of rope


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MarkTL said:
Honestly Transporting my 180 was the worst experience in the hobby so far...me and my friend got it from some guy on craigslist in my friends minivan. We forgot rope to tie the trunk and it was too far to drive back so I sat in the back trying to hold the trunk closed because the tank was about a foot too long...my one tip is bring rope, lots of rope


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Thats why I suggested renting the U-haul.... its 10' length of space so there is lots of room. I also brought stap tie-downs, the van has hook points inside so you can create a nice comfy web that will brace the tank.
 
Ask them to deliver it. That way if they crack it it's their fault :)


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