Home Reef Services in South OC?

isaacalves · Jun 14, 2022

Surprised there aren't any Aquarium home service companies pushing ads or at least posting somewhere on this forum -- at least not somewhere I can easily find.

I'm looking to upgrade my Cadlights 70 mixed reef to a Cade 1500s/P that's coming in this week or early next. I'd like to talk to a service about helping me move the system into place -- as well discussing how best to move fish and coral from one aquarium to a larger one. And because the Cade needs to go in the same location as the Cadlight system I'm trying to figure out how best to do this in a way that's least stressful for me and the animals.

Well, if anyone knows of a good, knowledgable service in the OC area please let me know.

joseserrano · Jun 14, 2022

Amazing reefs and aquariums

isaacalves · Jun 14, 2022

joseserrano said:

Thank you. Is that the website name or company name? I thought I called them doing a lookup on google maps but I'm not getting a call back. I'll try again. thank you very much Jose.

joseserrano · Jun 14, 2022

I don’t think any local store really has those kinds of website services. I’d just call and leave a message. His # should be on Yelp.

Jimbo327 · Jun 14, 2022

Are you buying the Cade through a LFS? Perhaps, they can help.

Tommy Ngo · Jun 14, 2022

isaacalves said:

He is closed on Tuesday that maybe the reason why you’re not able to get a hold of him. I would try again on days he is open.

hrs: Monday, Wednesay-Sunday 2pm-6pm

isaacalves · Jun 15, 2022

Tommy Ngo said:

Will do. Thank you.

isaacalves · Jun 17, 2022

Jimbo327 said:

Purchased through AlgaeBarn. I didn't anticipate the difficulty in finding a service vendor who could help facilitate the transfer/ install. I've literally have had a couple service vendors just say "no" after sharing photos of the shipping container as well as my current reef -- one vendor said they don't do residential, two others said that it would be hard to justify the time if I'm not setting up a monthly contract, I'm assuming insurance is the issue for them if they damage the aquarium when moving it....these guys might not have insurance(?).

I've reached out to Age of Aquariums, leaving a voicemail. I'll be calling them today at 10am to follow up. They seem to do one-off installs or transfers based on yelp reviews I read.

If anyone has any advice please let me know. Algaebarn said they'll look for someone for me as well.

isaacalves · Jun 17, 2022

Here are pictures of the delivered aquarium.

isaacalves · Jun 17, 2022

It's very difficult that the unit came stand and tank stacked like this. It's very heavy, close to 1100lbs together. I'm nervous to even unpack it in case something becomes unstable.

joseserrano · Jun 17, 2022

Be prepared to pay 2k plus with age.

isaacalves · Jun 17, 2022

joseserrano said:

Oh geez!! Yeah that’s a lot. What is the best way to do this? How do I even move the top crate off the bottom one…and I don’t have any glass suction cups or other equipment.…😖

joseserrano · Jun 17, 2022

isaacalves said:

If you feel that overwhelmed, I’d just pay someone to do it.

isaacalves · Jun 17, 2022

joseserrano said:

Thank you...literally why I created the original post.

Jimbo327 · Jun 17, 2022

What is the stand made of? I sure hope it is aluminum. I would uncrate the top box, and have a couple guys lift it off. But it won't be easy as it is so high. I can't believe they delivered it like that. I would have thought they would have separated it and forklift it off before delivery.

I think most people will just set up a plastic tote or temporary container, and move all the fish/livestock, and proceed to breakdown the current tank. Once that is empty, it will need to be moved to the garage, and the new tank to be set in the current spot. Best way is find some local reefers or one of those apps that you can find movers, get some suction cups and furniture dollies...and set it up. The mover for piano may also be a source of muscle.

Here is a youtube video of 2 guys moving this tank. So if you have 4 guys, should be easy.

dattack · Jun 17, 2022

dattack · Jun 17, 2022

How about get one of the hydraulic table cart? Have a few guys push it onto the cart and can slowly lower it.
https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...0-lb-capacity-hydraulic-table-cart-60438.html

isaacalves · Jun 17, 2022

Jimbo327 said:

What is the stand made of? I sure hope it is aluminum. I would uncrate the top box, and have a couple guys lift it off. But it won't be easy as it is so high. I can't believe they delivered it like that. I would have thought they would have separated it and forklift it off before delivery.

I think most people will just set up a plastic tote or temporary container, and move all the fish/livestock, and proceed to breakdown the current tank. Once that is empty, it will need to be moved to the garage, and the new tank to be set in the current spot. Best way is find some local reefers or one of those apps that you can find movers, get some suction cups and furniture dollies...and set it up. The mover for piano may also be a source of muscle.

Here is a youtube video of 2 guys moving this tank. So if you have 4 guys, should be easy.

Great video share. And thank you for the advice.

isaacalves · Jun 18, 2022

Man, this is turning into a major headache. Talking to a couple piano movers and even they’re surprised it was delivered in this way. Also, telling me that its an issue since the drive way is on a slope you can only move the crates back deeper into the garage then use a Material lift, or more likely a pallet lift to get the top crate off the bottom crate.

Here’s the weights and dimensions from Algaebarn:

—-
In regards to the sizing of the crates the dimensions and weight will be as follows:

Tank (w/ crate) dimensions: 75x36x35
Tank (w/ crate) weight: ~644 lbs

Stand (w/ crate) dimensions: 75x36x48
Stand (w/ crate) weight: ~512 lbs

——

I did speak with several movers, as well as Age of Aquariums. AoA is going to get back to me Monday with a quote.

Lessson for anyone purchasing a large CADE from Algaebarn —- have them ensure to separate the pallets before shipping, because literally none of this would be an issue if they just did that.

Jimbo327 · Jun 18, 2022

I seriously think that stand is not that heavy. If you open the top pallet, and can remove the sump and doors first, you should be able to get that aluminum stand down easily.

they should have separated those crates though.

Home Reef Services in South OC?

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