moving a plywood tank

[doughmonkey]

good morning monster fish people,
I have been stalking this forum from a far in preparation for a plywood tank build for my turtle. As far as the build itself, it will only be about 140 gallons and the reason for building it is because of the layout. Internal dimensions will be 36"x48"x20" high and will have glass on all 4 sides. I was able to salvage 2 leaky 55 gallons with 3/8" glass and cut down two of the sides to 36". The tank will have 3/4" ply bottom, and the sides with be doubled up and overlapped 3/4" ply. Then 6oz fiberglass with MAX ACR epoxy (doubled up on bottom), then pond shield over that. The sides with have not gaps between the glass. I know this might be overkill, but turtles have sharp claws and can be pretty abusive to there surroundings. it will have a coast to coast, with a bean animal to a 40 gallon sump
My big question is about moving the tank from the garage to the house. I have been having a hard time finding any discussion about this. I will brace the tank as much as possible to try and keep it from racking, but I like to over-prepare for projects before I even start them.
So really looking for any tips, tricks, ect. I'm not even sure if I have to worry about it, but like I said, I prefer not to go into a project without addressing potential issues.
Thank you in advance

 

[whomikebrown89]

I'd imagine that the best way to move it would be on something solid and flat. As you mentioned, you want to reduce the twisting as much as possible because that could cause headaches down the line. Really depends on how overbuilt the thing is. I'd make sure each corner was being supported evenly. It is not overly huge, so I think that it should not be a problem regardless. Just be careful. Are any stairs going to be involved? I am assuming so if it is going from garage to house.

 

[doughmonkey]

I'd imagine that the best way to move it would be on something solid and flat. As you mentioned, you want to reduce the twisting as much as possible because that could cause headaches down the line. Really depends on how overbuilt the thing is. I'd make sure each corner was being supported evenly. It is not overly huge, so I think that it should not be a problem regardless. Just be careful. Are any stairs going to be involved? I am assuming so if it is going from garage to house.

Keeping it flat is what is going to be the issue. luckily, no stairs. fairly straight shot to its final destination. Due to its size, it will have to be brought in on its side to get through the doorway. After all the glass is siliconed into place, I do intend to leave it for at least a week before leak testing it in the garage. I know alot of people on here have made plywood tanks and was concerned about any possible issues with the silicone pulling free of it's seal due to movement. I have thought about making the carcass, fiberglassing, and applying the pond armor in the garage, then installing the glass in the house. while that would make it alot easier and lighter, it would also mean that the leak testing would be done indoors. not really a good option.

 

[Trouser Cough]

If you have access to a hand truck of the type that might be used commonly in a warehouse this would be a simple move. I'd lay a section of 2" foam insulation on the garage floor, place the tank upright on the foam and then stab the hand truck's foot underneath the foam. At that point I'd strap the now vertically oriented tank to the frame of the hand truck and move it wherever I'd like w/out worrying much about the frame of the tank racking as movement of the tank would be severely limited by being strapped to the hand truck.

 

[doughmonkey]

If you have access to a hand truck of the type that might be used commonly in a warehouse this would be a simple move. I'd lay a section of 2" foam insulation on the garage floor, place the tank upright on the foam and then stab the hand truck's foot underneath the foam. At that point I'd strap the now vertically oriented tank to the frame of the hand truck and move it wherever I'd like w/out worrying much about the frame of the tank racking as movement of the tank would be severely limited by being strapped to the hand truck.

thank you,
you just reminded me I have a large mover, similar to a handtruck laid on it's back. A friends father used to to haul band equipment on. Have you made a plywood tank?

 

[Trouser Cough]

I have not. I have disassembled and reassembled several glass tanks so I understand the anxiety associated w/ that first fill but I have never built a plywood tank.

Thought about it many times but it's always been easier for me to find someone else's broken tank and repair it rather than starting from scratch.

(edit: I've done it often enough that I just rebuilt a 60g leaker only to finish it and realize I don't have a need for a 60g tank at all. Now I need to find a family w/ young kids and give them a cool tank and stand. I should probably test it first though, eh?).

 

[doughmonkey]

I have not. I have disassembled and reassembled several glass tanks so I understand the anxiety associated w/ that first fill but I have never built a plywood tank.

Thought about it many times but it's always been easier for me to find someone else's broken tank and repair it rather than starting from scratch.

(edit: I've done it often enough that I just rebuilt a 60g leaker only to finish it and realize I don't have a need for a 60g tank at all. Now I need to find a family w/ young kids and give them a cool tank and stand. I should probably test it first though, eh?).

yea, I have rebuilt a few glass tanks, but that doesn't make as nervous as this endeavor. Maybe because I'm simply making the tank exactly as it was, just without the leaks. Wish they made a tank in the size I want, but they don't. I suppose I could source the bottom pane of glass and use the glass that I salvaged from the 55''s for the sides, but part of me just wants to build this. Being a woodworker and descent cabinet maker, it's right in my wheelhouse. very nice of you to consider giving the tank to someone else to enjoy