How to move a tank forward

neltel_7 · May 14, 2020

How do you guys recommend moving my tank toward? I need more clearance from the wall so I can put an HOB overflow.
Should I drain it a little bit to make it lighter?

Tuffyyyyy · May 14, 2020

Draining it is pretty much your only option

Chefwheredyougo · May 14, 2020

+1 if you try moving it while filled there's a good chance you crack the glass.

bdehlin · May 14, 2020

You're going to have to drain it, maybe pull some rock if you can safely

nereefpat · May 14, 2020

How big is the tank?

neltel_7 · May 14, 2020

its 100g

neltel_7 · May 14, 2020

Chefwheredyougo said:
+1 if you try moving it while filled there's a good chance you crack the glass.

Would I have to drain it completely? I only need to move it a couple inches
Problem even just a quarter inch

Bo. · May 15, 2020

100g tank you are looking at 150-250lbs of just glass, leave ten gallons in and thats almost 90lbs more. Not counting stand or equipment. I'd definitely plan to drain and grab some buddies to help.

Chefwheredyougo · May 15, 2020

Not necessarily completely, but more than 50% I'd say. At 100g taking 50% out is still over 400lbs, (just water) so it'd be heavy for one. Secondly its the sloshing movement that is dangerous for the glass, so doing whatever you can to minimize that will be beneficial.

sfin52 · May 15, 2020

neltel_7 said:
Would I have to drain it completely? I only need to move it a couple inches
Problem even just a quarter inch

Ever gallon is 8.6 lbs. I would remove as much as possible and rock. Before attempting to move. I would remove most if not all

neltel_7 · May 15, 2020

Bo Lin said:
100g tank you are looking at 150-250lbs of just glass, leave ten gallons in and thats almost 90lbs more. Not counting stand or equipment. I'd definitely plan to drain and grab some buddies to help.

Aw man, would it be better just to put the overflow on the side? Most overflow boxes look pretty clean

neltel_7 · May 15, 2020

Chefwheredyougo said:
Not necessarily completely, but more than 50% I'd say. At 100g taking 50% out is still over 400lbs, (just water) so it'd be heavy for one. Secondly its the sloshing movement that is dangerous for the glass, so doing whatever you can to minimize that will be beneficial.

Could I put the overflow on the side and then just run the plumbing behind the tank? Would that be a better option? Assuming I don’t mind the look of it

Chefwheredyougo · May 15, 2020

you'll have to decide whether you want to lose a viewing panel or not. Personally I'd drain it and pull it off the wall. It's harder to do, but will look the best.

But you can definitely mount it on the side as well if thats what you choose. Keep in mind your plumbing will need to be adjusted, probably lengthened to account for the change

nereefpat · May 15, 2020

No, don't do that. Just get a couple big rubbermaids. Pump the water out until you can slide the tank. Then pump the water back in. It won't take a half hour.

neltel_7 · May 15, 2020

nereefpat said:
No, don't do that. Just get a couple big rubbermaids. Pump the water out until you can slide the tank. Then pump the water back in. It won't take a half hour.

Should I use an actual pump or just a good old fashion gallon pitcher and get to work?
Actually now that I think about it I should just use the pump unless I want to scoop out 60 gallons of water with a pitcher haha

Chefwheredyougo · May 15, 2020

neltel_7 said:
Should I use an actual pump or just a good old fashion gallon pitcher and get to work?
Actually now that I think about it I should just use the pump unless I want to scoop out 60 gallons of water with a pitcher haha

A pump will have it done in no time.

Leslie Tabor · May 15, 2020

nereefpat said:
No, don't do that. Just get a couple big rubbermaids. Pump the water out until you can slide the tank. Then pump the water back in. It won't take a half hour.

Haha that is exactly what I was thinking! Get out the totes for fish/rock, the Brutes for water...AND you get to re-scape the whole thing! So much fun! Like a new tank all over again!