As a lot of Oscarfishlovers find out, oscars need a lot of space, and quite a lot of us end up buying them huge tanks. Now through time I saw a people running into trouble when moving or trying to move such a big tank. And that includes me!
The main reason for this thread is brainstorming over the do’s and don’ts in moving big tanks.
Tanks up to 55 gallons or so can more or less be handled by one person, but larger tanks require assistance.

Pointer : Take enough strong helpers with you.
Usually you can ask friends and neighbours to help, but in moving big tanks that weigh over several hundreds of pounds, you will need either professional help or very strong friends.
Full glass tanks are extremely heavy and when moving my 6x2x2 footer I had 4 people help me and we barely made it.
We estimated it weight on 175-200KG.This would already be heavy for the 5 of us, but the trouble was getting through the doors. The guys who held the long sides of the aquarium didn’t fit through the door at the same time as the tank so the guy on the top end had to keep the whole weight of one end. That was too much and he almost broke him back. And almost dropped the tank, while shouting: ”I can’t hold on!!!”. Mind you this was the strongest guy I asked…

We used high grade suction cups, used for moving glass windows, but during the move some started to lose grip, so we had to grab hold of the bottom of the tank.

Next pointer: Wear sturdy gloves when moving a tank. We had bad cuts after the move for the bottom edges were not worked off properly.


Another pointer: Plan your route before starting to move.
You will most likely run into obstacles like doors, hallways and stairwells. Make sure you measure everything twice. I build a wooden frame with the exact measurements of the big tank, and walked the route we’d have to walk to get into my house. Make sure you will be able to make it all the way, before getting stuck halfway.
But I forgot about the route out of the apartment building where I got the tank. So all of us didn’t fit into the elevator, and 2 of us couldn’t get out of the elevator once we put the tank in and the tank had to be put on the floor…
I know stories of door and windows taken out just to be able to make the move. And remember heavy tanks are hard to handle and taking too much time of lifting the tank will wear the helpers out.

I always have a huge pile of thick Styrofoam with me , to put under the tank during transportation, but also to let the tank rest on in case the helpers cannot carry on without a break. And those were the worst moments when the guys shout that they cannot hold on anymore!!!


So, what did you run into when moving monstertanks,? Have you got any stories and advice that can help future tank movers out?

Nice article Nobby, how about I actually put in the member's articles?

You're welcome to do that.
Maybe it needs an edit, on things that may help and i left out...

rigging and hauling had been one of my specialty when i was still working in
metal work fabrication. moving a tank 8 ft x 3ft x 2 ft would be just an
ordinary work for me. however, i always find a way to use rope and cable
i ever possible plus a roller pipe if there is height limitation. it is
difficult to give details but whenever needed, details will depend on the
ocular inspection of things to be haul, and the route of the new location.

when i had my 6x2x2 delivered the guy came alone, and yes only i was home to help him. between the 2 of us we made it into the living room where it sits now. I got to admit I don't know how he expected most people to help him cos as you say, it weigh a fair amount. he was lucky I helped him, and i only did so cos I wanted longer arms.))))

marcus wrote:

Well Noddy you are true to your word and you posted a thread on 'Moving big tanks'.

Respect.....

Going for that 'big boy tank' of mine was an expensive lesson. Its a pity I didnt have my mate just 5 houses from me when I went for it. He went with me for the 6'x2' and the 5'x2' and their were no problem. We got them in the back of the van no probs.
The 8'x2'x2' was made from very thick glass indeed and the base was double sealed.
I think Matt said it was 15mm thick all round plus the the extra thickness of the bottom. It was heavy.....

As you said the hardest part is the 'getting it through the door'. A standard door as you said, only has room for one person. If guys are going to get a tank from a house. Its ok to get the thing up with 4 or 6 strong lads. I would make sure that you get the strongest men on the end. Have the guys who will be holding the sides to be waiting outside the house on either side and as the tank goes through they can take the sides as he comes out. Single man job, hopefully for just a moment or two.

One other thing I would suggest is to put a rope over your shoulders and have a couple of loops on it about teh carrying height for the person. Put your four fingers through them and hold onto the loops with your thumbs. As you take the weight it will be on the rope round your shoulders and less on your flat open hands.

Just my two cents worth..... Jamie

Great Info! Thanks Noddy