Weight of an Oceanic 215g Brick?

[NaCl_H2O]

My new tanks have shipped and should arrive by Friday :-D :-D

My next challenge will be getting them home and put into place. Does anyone (Like WKopplin or Scuba_Steveo?) know the weight of an empty Oceanic 215g brick? How many able bodied people were used to carry yours into your house?

I'll post some pics early next week (I hope?).

Thx - Steve

[SaltyJim]

I know the 110gal off the shelf weighs 235lbs. Do you know the thickness of the glass? I used to have a calc to figure this out. I'll see if I can find it.

[NaCl_H2O]

Do you know the thickness of the glass?

These are Bricks with no center brace and 3/4" thick glass all around! I expect to be VERY surprised by the empty weight!

[Tim Marvin]

You will need at least 6 strong men 8 would be better.

[SaltyJim]

Hmmm....

I can't seem to find the calculator. It must be bookmarked on the work computer. I'm willing to bet ~375-450lbs. I hope you know some good strong friends. Mine refuse to talk to me whenever I need to "ask a favor". The usual response is "sure I'll help with anything, as long as it's not moving that *$!`#@ tank!"

Jim

[Tim Marvin]

I'll help you Jim...If you ever need help.

[SaltyJim]

I'll help you Jim...If you ever need help.

Thanks Tim. Let's hope the next time I have to "move" the tank it's to make room for the bigger one I'm replacing it with :D

[Richard]

I think it is about 540 lbs. I built a cart to move mine never lifted once. Just used 2 x 4's and some heavy duty wheels from Lowes. It cost about $25 to build and took about 30 minutes. Well worth it and then I turned it into a work table in my garage.

[NaCl_H2O]

Okay ... 6-8 strong men is about twice as many as I was expecting, and about twice as many as I have available (Me, Daughter's boyfriend, 1-2 guys from Tx Tropical - that means you Yves!).

Anybody interested in a little heavy lifting this weekend?

I'll buy some beer - after the tanks are in place :o

[SaltyJim]

I'd love to help, if not just to see the progress. I'll be in town on Friday eve, but busy. Avail. Saturaday or Sunday.

Jim Allen
512-565-7114

[NaCl_H2O]

Thanks Jim, I may just give you a call? Anybody else wanna see my empty fish room and existing Reef tank?

I found This calculator (http://boonedocks.net/fishtank/ftweb.php) that says the 215 Brick wil weigh 538 lbs and the 140 will weigh 396 lbs :shock: :shock: :shock:

Maybe we can take a brief diversion with that helicopter on the way to get the Killer Whales?

[BA]

well ok....but just this once!!!!!!!!!!

[NaCl_H2O]

Chris - Quick, I need two new polls!!!

"How much weight can you lift from your knees to your waist?"
-and-
"What are you doing Saturday?"

:-D

[::pete::]

If I were there Id say ... yes!!

How are you transporting them?

[ratboy]

I just went through the nightmare of finding a moving company to move my new 270 into my house. I had 2 companies back out and 2 show up w/ 2 then 5 guys unable to move it. My brother (Holey Mackeral Aquariums) finally ended up getting 8 HUGE day laborers to move the tank. They almost died getting the tank to my house using piano dollies for about 1/2 the move. This tank is 3/4" thick in places and est ~ 1200#!!!
Good Luck!!

[NaCl_H2O]

How are you transporting them?

TX Tropical has thier Van, and I just bought the Wife a new truck ... OK, half a truck - Explorer Sport Trac w/a 4' bed, 6' with the tailgate down. I figure I can take one tank at a time in the 1/2 truck, worst case.

[z28pwr]

We carried my 240 with 3 people and it was a PITA (just ask my back) but 4 people was just right.

[::pete::]

If TX Tropical isnt going to help, you might want to consider renting a truck from HD. They are built for weight, the sides drop down out of the way turning it into a flat bed, you could do it in one trip and it is a Full Truck. :D

Do you know anyone with a trailer?

[brewercm]

I just moved my 180 in my Avalanche that has a short bed also and just did it with the gate down. Strapped the tank in with ratcheting strap to make sure it didn't slide at all.

[NaCl_H2O]

The number of trips really doesn't bother me, its the lifting weight and handling through doorways, etc.

How about using an appliance dolly from UHaul, the kind with straps and rollers to get up steps? Can I turn these aquariums on end to put them on a dolly? Or maybe two big furniture dollies, one at each end.

Note: I have 3 steps leading up to the front door :o
Also have a wheelchair ramp in from the garage, but don't think we could turn the corner into the living room?

I'm open to suggestions?

BTW - TX Tropical is planning to help (for a small fee) but I think they aren't expecting the weight is this high either - I'm going to call them a little later.

[::pete::]

Something like Richard mentioned earlier would be a hand truck that also lays flat that you could get at U-Haul if you didnt want to build one. If you have good, determined help you probably wont even need the dolly as Jose mentioned.

[SaltyJim]

When I have had my tank moved by an individual, he did what your asking. I about had a heart attack when he started pushing the tank from one end to drop the 3 feet to the dolly. No breaks/cracks, but that was the 110. I'm not sure the side with that much more additional weight would be strong enough. I sure wouldn't want to risk it with a new tank. Maybe you could ask someone at Oceanic how they recommend moving this into a house.

Jim

[ratboy]

My brother used the big glass suction cup handles (super strong) to help pull the tank around and keep from chopping off fingers.

[wkopplin]

Build a cart out of 2X4's like Richard said. It is the only way you will be able to move it through doors. That is how we moved mine. It took three people. If you try to carry it, it will take 6 people easily. Probably better with 8, but you will have trouble with the corners.

The cart is easy to build. Just use screws and a 2X4 frame. Make the cart about 4' long X 2.5' wide and put those larger wheels on the bottom. Use the 4" wheels. Much easier to go up and down steps if you have to. Reinforce the sides with two crosswise boards. It should work just fine.

Make the cart one of two heights, either the height of your truck bed or the height of your stand. I would do it the height of your stand. It is very easy to build.

That tank is VERY heavy, but it can be hauled in a regular truck. Build the stand, make your life easier. If you have a chop saw and a good power drill/screwdriver, it should take about 30 minutes to build it.

[MikeP]

I had mine delivered and 3 of the Aquatek guys were kind enough to help me get it in the house and on the stand. The braceless one with the thick glass I would estimate is 600+ lbs empty if not more. We got it up there but it was not easy!

[Ram_Puppy]

where do you live and when are you expecting this to take place? I don't mind helping, but the only time I am available is around 2 to 5 on saturday. (oh, and I am 6'5" 350lbs)

[scuba_steveo]

There were only four of us on my new 215 brick but I was the smallest of the four at 6'3" 230 lbs. And we almost did not make it. Blake did it right by having it delivered and set in place.

[scuba_steveo]

To get it up the stairs we strapped the tank to my friend who is Kaiser big and over 300 lbs and he took it up one step at a time.

[Ram_Puppy]

I'll help if I can but I am not signing up for steveo's hernia duty! :)

[NaCl_H2O]

You guys are scaring the sh__ out of me! TX Tropical was a little surprised at the empty weight, plus these will be crated, so we can add a few more pounds! Yves is looking for some helpers for an after hours delivery.

Is one of These (http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=94016-000000929-40710S) worth considering? Says it is rated at 700lbs and with the crate I assume we cuuld stand it on end without any danger (to the tank).

I like the cart idea, but I have 3-4 steps to the front door and don't see how that would work. The ramp from the garage won't work due to clearance to turn the corner from the hall with a 6' tank (Unless on the appliance dolly).

Oh yea, I'm in NW San Antonio, Tezel & Silent Sunrise. Probably Friday evening or Saturday morning?

Thanks for all the help guys, and offers to help!

[pilot_bell777]

See if you can rent a ramp from U-Haul.......and put it on piano dollies.....then the only lifting is out of the truck and then onto the stand.

[MIOR6485]

I have the oceanic 200 brick style (no center brace and 3/4" thick glass) based on the highest density factor given for that thickness , it was around 800lbs. It took 6 people to make an effort but it felt more like 650lb. have fun and good luck

[pilot_bell777]

If I am swinging the Helicopter by I need Long and Lat cordiantes please....also, this thing is expensive per hour so have the roof off the house before I get there please. hehehe lol

[BA]

Hey better be back before 7, for the whales!!!!!

[wkopplin]

If you build the cart correctly, you should be able to turn corners easily. Mine was a snap and I had to turn corners. As far as the steps go, that is why you use the larger wheels, the cart will not hit the stairs. For that matter, measure the stairs and build a little ramp. Then roll it up.

[pilot_bell777]

OH...BA, I was going to hit this project on the way out after dropping the whales off at your house! Do you have the tank ready for them???

[BA]

i dunno, it'll be close....

[Ram_Puppy]

Hey man, I am totally willing to help, but I work till midnight on fridays and don't get off til 1PM on saturdays...

[NaCl_H2O]

Looks like I have a trip to HD in my plans tonite :-D

I wanted to say thanks to everyone for their suggestions and offers of help. Watch this post for my final plea or Lat/Long for the Helo :o

I see no reason to remove the roof since the 140 will fit in the hole created by the 215, and then I will have natural sunlight for the tanks :-D

More later, I'm sure

Thanks MAAST - this forum once again proves to be invaluable!
BTW - My Member fees should already be in your PO Box???

[pilot_bell777]

You havn't seen my fly!!!!! you might really want to reconsider taking the roof off or by the time that I am finished you might have sky lights in places youdidn't want sky lights! LOL and good luck......you still might check with U-Haul about the ramps, I have rented ramps before just can't remember if it was U-Haul or not.

[::pete::]

Actual weight 215 @ 500 and the 140 @ 350 says Oceanic.

Another thought would be a 19.00 U-haul w ramp. This could be backed up to the steps and the ramp extended to the door. Straight shot.
Good Luck !!!

[NaCl_H2O]

So, does this look like it will hold 600 lbs? Took me much longer than 30 mins, but I take lots of breaks ;) The cart is 36" tall, same as the stands, and about 3" shorter than the height of the truck tailgate when open :-D
The eye hooks are just in case a little rope is helpful when going up the ramp ;)

The ramp behind it I build about 6 months ago for my Mother-In-Law, who lives with us & uses a wheelchair - it is plenty sturdy! I did some measuring/testing and the 215 on this cart will JUST BARELY turn the corner into the living room!

With this cart, the ramp, and the ability to turn the corner - I think I can get it done with the four of us! I think this problem just became manageable!

Thanks for the advice Richard!

[BA]

nice..

[::pete::]

Good job ... but we could have carried it and been done.

[RobertG]

Good job ... but we could have carried it and been done.

I second this! Good Luck :-D

[NaCl_H2O]

Good job ... but we could have carried it and been done.

Who's we kemosabie, your in NC :-D

The cart wil let me sleep better!

[dan]

looks good. when your finished with it you could rent it out :-D . i'm sure theres alot of people that could use it. give me a call when your ready and i'll come and help.

[::pete::]

You should have made 2 :-D

1 for each tank. :D

[don-n-sa]

I will be purchasing a 240 from glasscages or oceanic...still deciding, If you still have the cart I would like to rent/borrow it

[BA]

Don, that is for a 215 brick, i don't think it would fit ur 8foot tank...

[NaCl_H2O]

The cart is 48" x 26" x 36" tall, and I think it would hold an Elephant (or Killer Whale BA!).

It is available free of charge to any MAAST member, after about 9:00pm today :-D Just send me a PM & come pick it up!

Got the stands in place already and have a total of 5 folks (3 from TX Tropcal) to move the tanks at 7:00 pm. That should be plenty with this cart!

I'll post pics later or tomorrow.

Dan - I'll probably call sometime this weekend and you can come see & we can talk about sumps!

Thanks to everyone - Steve

[wkopplin]

That cart would work for a 240 too. Just need to balance it. Nice job building it. Should make the move really easy.

[NaCl_H2O]

Thanks to Yves & Others from Tx Tropical and a little help from my Cart, the tanks are within 1/4" of their final resting place! In about two weeks a 60g Pentagon in the corner will round out my show tanks!

With very little difficulty, four of us got these on/off the truck/cart and onto the stands - it was WAY TOO SIMPLE :-D :-D :-D

Thanks again to all of you that offered to help, I'm glad I didn't need it!

Now for some framing and PVC ...

[wkopplin]

Very nice!

[Ram_Puppy]

man, I can NOT wait to see the finished product! :) if you need any help, I'll offer any I can.

[::pete::]

Looking good. Glad to hear you got them in place without incident. See you this week!!

[JesterGrin_1]

Looks great :)