Need to move my 265G tank

[YSS]

We are getting some work done around the house and I need to move my tank. I just need to move it away from the wall and then move it back after we do some work done on the wall and the wall is painted. The contractor doesn't seem to think it's going to be a big deal. He said they can put something (may be like magic slide) under the stand and slide it across the floor (I have hardwood floor). I don't think this would work because of the weight of the tank and if we try to lift the stand with the tank on it, I am afraid the stand might collapse. I think this could work if I drained about 4/5 or more of the tank (which would mean about 50 gallons of water in the tank) and try to slide the whole thing. Any comments or anyone has anyother ideas/suggestions? Thanks.

 

[F8LBITE]

Oh man that sucks. I dont think there's an easy way to do it. If it was me, I wouldnt want to risk flexing the stand or somehow flexing the silicone on the tank. I would do it the right way and drain the tank. Sorry buddy.

 

[hydrodmg]

no way would i attempt to move that tank full of water i just moved my 80 gallon tank as per request of the boss of the hose 1 day after i did my water change so i grabbed every water bucket i had and a few empty fish tanks and drained the water in to them. moved the tank and used a small sump pump to fill the tank back up.

 

[Cartel]

Drain the tank all the way I can't even move my 125g just a couple inches from my wall with it being fully drained just sand in it. At least when I tried it didn't feel safe so I left it alone. Remember water weights around 8lbs a gallon...

 

[hydrodmg]

and btw 1 gallon of water is 8.35 lbs x 50 is 417.5 lbs plus the tank and the stand you are still looking at a substantial amount weight

 

[dogofwar]

Drain all the way or nearly...and move...

Trying to slide it with 400 lb of water plus gravel and rocks will be a disaster now or later

Matt

 

[hydrodmg]

Drain the tank all the way I can't even move my 125g just a couple inches from my wall with it being fully drained just sand in it. At least when I tried it didn't feel safe so I left it alone. Remember water weights around 8lbs a gallon...

i agree with you all the way

 

[cmcpart0422]

Attempting to lift each corner to put sliders under them is just a recipe for disaster...that is if you are even able to get a corner off the ground. Im with everyone else on this one I say you drain it. I remember when I was trying to carry an empty 75gallon up the stairs with just sand in it was terrible until we took the sand out. I cant even imagine how much the substrate in a 265 must weigh on its own. Good luck!

 

[longstocking]

Yun... just bag the fish up... drain, move, refill, ....

Then do it all over again when you need to move it back. No way around this.. if you don't do this you are risking busting a seam. Just not worth it.

 

[Billy Rocket]

Drain it = low risk & high reward

Move with water = high risk & high reward

I would drain it!!!

 

[jonclark96]

I have to agree with everyone on this one. When I set up my 180, it took me and two others just to move the empty tank. Add another 500 pounds of water and gravel and I don't think it could be done without damaging something.

 

[bschuhart]

I say drain it. I moved a 110 on a pine cabinet empty about 30 feet across a carpet by myself using the slider things and that worked. BUT NOTE THE TANK WAS EMPTY, NO WATER< NO ROCKS< NO GRAVEL< NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[YSS]

Man, this is going to suck. Draining the tank is not a huge deal, but catching the fish and keeping them some where is going to be. I would have to move the tank no more than 6 feet may be even less. If the tank stand is designed to hold the tank, substrate, and 265G of water, I am thinking it would be strong enough that after draining the tank to almost nothing (may 3 to 5" of water in it) carefully lift the stand to slide things under the stand and slide the stand and tank a few feet. No?

 

[mab]

I'll help you move it to my fish room.

 

[Cartel]

Look at it this way either you drain the tank or it will drain itself later. Not worth the risk.

 

[Tony]

Sorry Yun.. I'm with them. If it was me, I'd definitely drain it.

My 180 is obscenely heavy empty... I can't imagine how much worse a 220 with substrate and water in it would be.

 

[longstocking]

Try to look at the positive.... you can do a really good cleaning, re-decorate it, maybe even do a DIY back ground?

Use the inconvenience to your advantage.

 

[UNCLERUCKUS]

I AGREE WITH THE FOLKS THAT SAY DRAIN IT....NOT WORTH THE DISASTER DOING IT ANY OTHER WAY BUD.

 

[YSS]

Thank you all for your thoughts. So, if I completely drain the tank, do you suggest that I remove the substrate as well? Also, are you all suggesting I move the tank and the stand separately or move the tank on top of the stand with the stand? If I were to move the tank, I would have to lift it off the stand, and it's not possible because the stand has the wooden rail on three sides that incase the tank. I would have to take the rails off and not sure if I want to do that.

 

[Tony]

I would move the tank with the stand if you can. It will keep the bottom of the tank evenly supported. How much do you guess the substrate weighs in that tank?