Moving large tanks

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wizardndog

Feeder Fish
Mar 17, 2009
1
0
1
Camas, Washington
I need to move a 135 gal glass tank (200 lbs). I have looked at suction cups with handles that supposedly have a 280 lbs lift capacity and are used for glass. I am worried that if I just have a couple of big guys lift it by hand, they will rack the tank around and possible pop the seals. Has anyone tried the industrial suction cups for moving a big tank?
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I just moved a 180 gal that weighs probally about 300+, I had 4 suction cups that I used from a glass shop with 3 good size guys, but basically 2 of us carried it. The suctin cups were rated for 500lbs. They worked out great!
 
I think its your best option it to just carry it because with dollies you run the risk of cracking it. I've heard suction cups can be helpful, but you still do run some risk of something going wrong and releasing. And besides, its really not that bad. My husband and I moved our 120 gallon tank by ourselves up and down from the third story. You should be just fine to have a few guys pick up and carry a 135.
 
if you use your hands try those orange gloves coated with streaks of tacky stuff also make sure the tank exterior is completely dry.
ask at your local fish shop if they can lend you some suction lifters it is so much easier though.
make yourself a drop point if you think you may need to rest or adjust your grip a pile of folded dust sheets will do.
test the weight before you move-just stand and hold the tank for a while, if you think you wont manage it put it down and pressgang more bodies.
 
I moved my 150 glass tank by hand with a few friends. I even had to tip it on its end, stand it straight up and shimmy it into the door to the basement. Then we carefully slid it down the stairs, picked it up again and put it on the stand. That was 18+ months ago. I think you're over thinking it and are better off just moving it by hand.
 
I had to move a 265. Not pleasant but no leaks after 4-5 months. I took 4 big guys and a well planned out move. Suction cups pose as much danger of warping the tank and pooping a seal as just picking it up from the bottom. When large tanks are moved at the store they are lifted from below.
 
I moved the 125 to the parents house and then here with 3 people, 2 really but 3 were actualling holding it. If you hold the black frame to it and not put your hands underneath on the glass part it won't break seals.
 
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