melev

It's official, the tank is out of the house. Prior to everyone's arrival, I built a quick 8' pallet out of landscape timbers, 1x material, and some wafer decking.







Installing 2x4s under the pallet will allow a forklift to lift from the middle as well.



This was a very narrow exodus, with many reacting with a "Wow - that's gonna be close..."



Lifting it off the stand was harder than I expected, even with 8 suction cups and 8 lifters. We got it out and down on the floor.



As a group, we leaned it over carefully while Carl used a shop-vac and towels to remove the trapped water behind the black acrylic. It wasn't more than a few cups, but I didn't want it on the carpet. Once it was dried out, we inserted a sheet of foam under the front panel, and furniture dollies.



These were strapped under the tank to help keep them in position, but the dollies still bound up on the carpeting somewhat.



I don't know what he's saying here. I'm sure his toes are going to be fine.



The tank was placed on the a pallet, and 2x4s were secured around its perimeter to avoid shifting during transit.











A simple frame was erected around the tank, and decking screwed on all 5 sides to keep it safe.



A block of foam was put under the overflow as a little support, just in case.









Next, call Marineland and let them know it's ready to pick up.

I'd like to thank everyone that came over today to help move the tank outside. We joke about how I need to find 10 new friends for when the tank comes back repaired. Without your help, it wouldn't have been possible to get this beast on its way. A big thank you to Frank's Tanks and Fish2morow for lending me their suction cups and furniture dollies.