Why is Tank Moving so Expensive?

DETANE · Mar 27, 2023

Hi SCR family,

I’ve been calling around LFS and have been quoted $1500-$2000+ to move an acrylic 120gl reef, 5 miles distance.

This is not my first rodeo moving a reef tank, and I understand the challenges involved, but I can’t justify their rates.

Anyone have a similar experience?

I guess I’m going to do it the old fashioned way:
Uhaul Van 🚐 $50 per day.
3 laborers @20ph, 1hrs = $90
Brute Bins @40 each, 3 = $120

$260 total.

literally a 5 minute drive. And my plumbing is super easy plug and play valves.

Grayston · Mar 27, 2023

My experience was 5 hours on each end, 4 guys pickup truck for three 55 gallon trashcans(new). Two trips and the challenge was to fit the stand, tank and 5 gallon buckets with corals, plus 3 battery air pumps new. 3 follies and a large pump. On the receiving end had another 30 gallons of water prepared and at temperature. So overall maybe saved a little and if I did it again would get a uhaul box truck.
In short lots of learning but lots of work too,

wishntoboutside · Mar 27, 2023

$10.00 t0 $15.00 per gallon is about the going rate. lots of work it is.

Gedxin · Mar 27, 2023

UHaul van only $50/day? I rented a pickup truck from them and it was like $75/day after taxes last year.

3 laborers @20ph, 1hrs = $90? I Assume you're doing the prep breakdown and setting everything backup if you only are utilizing them for 1hr for the physical moving of heavy stuffs?

I assume the price is so high because A) Insurance, B) they should be doing everything for you, including the breakdown and setting back up, which is at least a 4+hr job imo.

tygerjace · Mar 27, 2023

Moving is easy...its the break down and setup. 120g acrylic is super light 2 guys can do it. I'm assuming the LFS is breaking down and Setting up? They're a business and need to make money and its a specialty service since most movers will not provide that type of service.

I personally would do the old fashion way since you say the plumbing is super easy. If you were local I would offer to help.

Dwizzle28 · Mar 27, 2023

Yes, it's definitely pricey with anything professional.

It's always going to be wayyy more expensive professionally vs DIY.

An example is mechanical work. To change spark plugs, the parts itself is not expensive but will run you exponentially more at the dearler.

But everybody hit it on the head.
- insurance
- half day +
- white glove experience (A to Z)
- professional service
- employees
- professional equipment

joseserrano · Mar 27, 2023

Everything has gone up. And this is skilled labor. We may all have a grasp on things, but someone who does it for a living comes with different skills and understanding

OldReefGuy · Mar 27, 2023

Gedxin said:

Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/c/Truck_R...VYxpMCh3I4g91EAAYASAAEgIHQfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
$20.00 first 75 minutes

DETANE · Mar 27, 2023

OldReefGuy said:

Great tip TY.

DETANE · Mar 27, 2023

Gedxin said:

UHaul van only $50/day? I rented a pickup truck from them and it was like $75/day after taxes last year.

3 laborers @20ph, 1hrs = $90? I Assume you're doing the prep breakdown and setting everything backup if you only are utilizing them for 1hr for the physical moving of heavy stuffs?

I assume the price is so high because A) Insurance, B) they should be doing everything for you, including the breakdown and setting back up, which is at least a 4+hr job imo.

I included the tip on the $20 per hour 😉

dattack · Mar 27, 2023

Time to ask your friends and invite them to a BBQ.

tygerjace · Mar 27, 2023

dattack said:

Post a need help to move and offer free food, beer, and coral frags and I'm sure you'll have plenty of help where you'll need to turn down some. lol.

dontavo27 · Mar 27, 2023

DETANE said:

Hi SCR family,

I’ve been calling around LFS and have been quoted $1500-$2000+ to move an acrylic 120gl reef, 5 miles distance.

This is not my first rodeo moving a reef tank, and I understand the challenges involved, but I can’t justify their rates.

Anyone have a similar experience?

I guess I’m going to do it the old fashioned way:
Uhaul Van 🚐 $50 per day.
3 laborers @20ph, 1hrs = $90
Brute Bins @40 each, 3 = $120

$260 total.

literally a 5 minute drive. And my plumbing is super easy plug and play valves.

I can probably help you move it. PM me your number.

ivan · Mar 28, 2023

Will you break your back for $20 hr
Or $100 or 1000?
Now maybe 🤔 you can find some one cheaper but I warranty you that they will not cover any lost of live stock or broken equipment and that can happen at any time.

DETANE · Mar 28, 2023

ivan said:

Peace Brother.

As a professional in the aquarium industry, I can share with you that a professional does not break their back. This is because all the of the lifts and tools needed for installs and breakdowns are part of the tool kits. Costs:rates are typically based on the going rates that are based on how much folks are willing to pay for a service or product. It’s not brain surgery, but it does require basics in husbandry, plumbing, and lifting/transporting.

Also, you bring up a great point, insurance. Most installers don’t insure or guarantee the survival of livestock and typically have a client sign a waver for that, and they also don’t cover equipment etc. it’s a “play at your own risk” situation.

Like with anything in life, we should make educated decisions and purchases. I’m choosing not to pay the inflated rate.

Similarly, coral and fish, after working as a wholesaler and importer for a decade+, I know the landed costs of livestock and what a LFS sells them for. But that’s an entirely separate loaded topic for discussion.

have a blessed day.

Reef_loco · Mar 30, 2023

DETANE said:

Well said DETANE,

The market has gone a little haywire lately. Inflation from large corporations has trickled down into the mindset of everyone. Yes, gas is a bit more expensive, yes food is a bit more expensive… but none equal to the amounts that certain individuals are willing to gouge people for. Shop around, find some buddies, do it the old school way.

ivan · Mar 30, 2023

And that’s why I did it my self !!it if you just ask some here to help you they will for a six pack or lunch or for some frags
But you get what you paid for 🤣

Grayston · Mar 30, 2023

Reef_loco said:

Well said DETANE,

The market has gone a little haywire lately. Inflation from large corporations has trickled down into the mindset of everyone. Yes, gas is a bit more expensive, yes food is a bit more expensive… but none equal to the amounts that certain individuals are willing to gouge people for. Shop around, find some buddies, do it the old school way.

Agree, that’s the cheapest way…

nicodim55 · Mar 30, 2023

U moving again D?

DETANE · Mar 30, 2023

Found some fellow REEFERS to help this weekenD.

my system is pretty straightforward with plumbing, lots of unions and union valves. I was able to empty out the sump and disconnect it all in about 15minutes. I now have the display running independently until Saturday when we empty out the livestock and water to move it.

Why is Tank Moving so Expensive?

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