Can you move a full tank?

[dg13]

When I sent up my 54 corner tank I only had a hang on skimmer. I have been thinking about getting a hang on refugium, but have a problem. I put one side of the tank against a wall so that only leaves one side usable whcih is where the skimmer is. Can I try and move the tank a few inches away from the wall with everything in it or do I risk having it come crashing down around me?

Thanks.

 

[this is me]

I wouldn't do it. Just empty it and do it right this time.

 

[Andy O]

You risk the possiblity of stressing the seems. Aside from the fact that it is awfully heavy!

 

[MichaelJ]

@ 8 or 9 gallons a pound plus the tank and stand weight..... I wouldn't.

 

[dg13]

That's what I thought

Thanks.

 

[smcnally]

If you use two people and do it very slowly you should be fine. I once moved a completely full 37 gallon and stand all the way across my livingroom.

 

[Crib]

When I sent up my 54 corner tank I only had a hang on skimmer. I have been thinking about getting a hang on refugium, but have a problem. I put one side of the tank against a wall so that only leaves one side usable whcih is where the skimmer is. Can I try and move the tank a few inches away from the wall with everything in it or do I risk having it come crashing down around me?

Thanks.

I too have a 54g corner unit. I put felt all on the bottom of the cabinet before I added anything. Now if i need an inch or two I can glide the cabinet easier. food for thought.

 

[dg13]

I too have a 54g corner unit. I put felt all on the bottom of the cabinet before I added anything. Now if i need an inch or two I can glide the cabinet easier. food for thought.

OK - so where were you when I set it up??

 

[shawn]

How about if you drain it so the water level is really low, move it, and then fill it back up (with the same water)? The corals should be ok if you don't keep them out of the water too long. For sponges it would be a definite no-no...

 

[MarkO]

Yeah, jsut drain until the top rocks/corals are barely exposed, the move. Then pump the water back into the tank.

 

[SaltCreep]

If you only have to move a few inches, drain it as far as u can (water change) then put scap wood between the wall and one corner of the tanks stand (at the bottom).

Use a prybar as a lever and slowly nudge it out, repeat on the other end.

I moved my 75 this way by myself.

 

[dg13]

Some good ideas here - thanks. I only have to move it a few inches so I think I'm going to try and move it.

 

[HaymannNH]

Moving tank

Go to Walmart and buy the little round plastic furniture moving disc's.If you can pick up one side of the tank about 1/4" you can slide them under each side,then just side the tank out and leave them under there in case you ever have to do it again.
I did this with my 55 gallon a week ago and worked out fantastic.

 

[merk1_99]

I have moved my 55 gallon full before a few inches. Just make sure when moving you are pushing a solid part of the stand. And you are giving it slow but even pressure.

 

[Paula]

Hi Diane - If you want to wait until tomorrow, Saturday, I can come over and help . ..
Just let me know - I have to come by anyway ....
Paula

 

[HalfLung]

I have moved my 55gal a few times. Just siphon out 15-20 gal. and it is a cinch unless you are on carpet.

 

[Glass Ocean]

\

If you use two people and do it very slowly you should be fine. I once moved a completely full 37 gallon and stand all the way across my livingroom.

I'm with Steve. I moved a 55 morfe than a few inches before. You might take out a few gallons to prevent any spiling if you make any waves.

 

[conrad]

It's definitely possible. Lots of good ideas here. I think the most important one is to move it from the bottom with something that gives you some mechanical advantage. Anything which gives you mechanical advantage more importantly "gears down" your input, so that a large motion from you produces a small motion in the tank (stand -- again, you're pushing or pulling from the bottom). This will minimize the chances of tipping. Lower the water level a bit to prevent splashing first is a great idea, lowering it even more to make it lighter is also great if you can do that. Teflon furniture glides can also be your friend, though if you don't already have them under there, it might be a bit risky to get them under certain types of stands while loaded.

 

[FinzAquatics]

i would drain the majority of the h20.... but leave all the rockwork and corals or whatever you have. if you have to... leave 3-4 inches for the fish to stay in the tank.

this should lessen the stress on the glass, and on yourself. then you should be able to move it easily. then simply siphon it back into the tank

 

[FinzAquatics]

ahh i didnt read everyone elses post... ha... idea was already said.. sorry