a miracle delivery... need advice

solRNY · 12/16/2009, 11:36 AM

well, after weeks of deciding what to get my lovely wife for this xmas... i placed a call to miracles, got talking to dereck s. and he assured me if i placed my order the tank will be on the truck the following monday + 2 day shipping, therefore the tank will be here on xmas eve! dereck was very helpful in providing me with details i needed, and very responsive to my emails, with his help the sketch was complete and forwarded.

got talking more to dereck and he mentions about off loading the tank + crate (~400lbs), so here is my problem, how the heck do i do that? i think serveral poeple here on URS has order tanks from miracle before, if you can give me some advice it would be much appreciated.

I am looking for advice on how to off load the crate, what tools I need, should i put together some tank stand with wheels, do i need those suction cups things?

I am also looking for people willing to help on xmas eve, as of now i dont know the delivery time on that day, got to beleive it some time in the morning, as it become closer I will have a better idea. I have some beginner frags I can give or cash. If you commit to helping out, I appreicated if you dont back out on the day.

I live in brewerton, a few miles north of syracuse.

Thanks,
-Lang

pimpinitup6969 · 12/16/2009, 12:41 PM

a engine hoist might be an option? what are the dimensions on the tank?

jaybfresh · 12/16/2009, 12:50 PM

I would guess lots of manpower would be the easiest!

I hope they stick to their delivery schedule... mine was at least a month late, but they never gave me a solid ship date like they gave you.

captain7359 · 12/16/2009, 01:42 PM

Will the truck have a lift gate to get the crate to ground level or will the crate have to be picked off the truck? What are the dims of the tank and tank weight alone? If there is no lift gate and the trucker is patient (or tipped $$) you can uncrate the tank in the truck and lighten it up. 400# is pushing it for just 2 strong guys, but 4 guys fumbling with a tank is just as dangerous, so you may want to look at borrowing, or making some furniture mover dollies. if you work with suction cups make sure they are good ones (rental from a glass shop??) because the harbor freight ones will just pop off at times and that spells catastrophe. Make sure you have a drill and bits along with hammer and prybar ready to un crate the beast as well. Best of luck and so long as you take your time, you'll be fine however you move it.

Gary Majchrzak · 12/16/2009, 02:19 PM

3 strong guys and one wimpy one should be able to move a #400 aquarium.
Talk to Dereck and get specifics of the delivery truck (liftgate etc.) like Walter mentioned. Are they using Cavalier? Give the driver incentive (ie: cash) and I'm sure he'll help.

I've been to Brewerton and it's far away from where I'll be on Christmas eve (or any other day of the year!) or I'd consider helping. Are you sure they're delivering on Christmas Eve? It sounds like a hokey delivery date.

Capt_Cully · 12/16/2009, 02:23 PM

Lang, I feel your pain. Ain't easy getting people over to lift 300+# tanks...even if you trick them! I'd love to help you out but my schedule isn't as lax as it used to be. On top of that I'm working Xmas eve anyway. Keep me posted on whats going on with it. I'll help if I can dude.

Flanders · 12/16/2009, 02:33 PM

if it moves to a different day I might be able to help but xmas eve is out of the question.

EllieSuz · 12/16/2009, 02:50 PM

I would consider hiring professionals to assist you. Either movers or perhaps glass shop workers used to working with glass. It's a good time of the year for guys to have the incentive to make a few extra bucks. Make a few phone calls once you have a better idea of time of day for the delivery.

pisces4u · 12/16/2009, 02:59 PM

Too far for us to come out, but congratz on the new tank setup!

solRNY · 12/16/2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pimpinitup6969

a engine hoist might be an option? what are the dimensions on the tank?

--i looked at the engine hoist as an option, never operated one, seen them for sale at harbor frieght but they are horizontal mount, not quite sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaybfresh

I would guess lots of manpower would be the easiest!
I hope they stick to their delivery schedule... mine was at least a month late, but they never gave me a solid ship date like they gave you.

--i am thinking the same, lots of manpower. Did you have to provide your SN# for US Customs? I hate giving away that 9 digit#, sorta make me feel vulrnerable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Majchrzak

3 strong guys and one wimpy one should be able to move a #400 aquarium. Talk to Dereck and get specifics of the delivery truck (liftgate etc.) like Walter mentioned. Are they using Cavalier? Give the driver incentive (ie: cash) and I'm sure he'll help.

I've been to Brewerton and it's far away from where I'll be on Christmas eve (or any other day of the year!) or I'd consider helping. Are you sure they're delivering on Christmas Eve? It sounds like a hokey delivery date.

--at the moment i am missing the 3 strong guys, LOL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt_Cully

Lang, I feel your pain. Ain't easy getting people over to lift 300+# tanks...even if you trick them! I'd love to help you out but my schedule isn't as lax as it used to be. On top of that I'm working Xmas eve anyway. Keep me posted on whats going on with it. I'll help if I can dude.

--thanks mark, i know you have your hands full now

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flanders

if it moves to a different day I might be able to help but xmas eve is out of the question.

--thanks,

Quote:

Originally Posted by EllieSuz

I would consider hiring professionals to assist you. Either movers or perhaps glass shop workers used to working with glass. It's a good time of the year for guys to have the incentive to make a few extra bucks. Make a few phone calls once you have a better idea of time of day for the delivery.

--thanks for the advice EllieSuz, i think i will place another call tomorrow afternoon, just hope it doesnt cost me another arm... it just cant be cheaper than frags

Quote:

Originally Posted by pisces4u

Too far for us to come out, but congratz on the new tank setup!

--thanks aaron

--I talked to dereck agian today, he assures me the tank will be ready by monday for shipping. they had already cut and polished the glass, and will assembly the tank tomorrow. Seem like everything is moving forward real quick... he sounds like a straight forward guy, at themoment i have no reason not to believe him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain7359

Will the truck have a lift gate to get the crate to ground level or will the crate have to be picked off the truck? If there is no lift gate and the trucker is patient (or tipped $$) you can uncrate the tank in the truck and lighten it up. 400# is pushing it for just 2 strong guys, but 4 guys fumbling with a tank is just as dangerous, so you may want to look at borrowing, or making some furniture mover dollies. if you work with suction cups make sure they are good ones (rental from a glass shop??) because the harbor freight ones will just pop off at times and that spells catastrophe.

--talked to dereck some more regarding how to off load, told me that it will be in a highway truck something like 50ft long , there is no lift gate, the height of the truck deck is ~4ft high, the crate + tank = ~400lbs, tank alone is ~250lbs. uncrating the tank seems reasonable, i am worry about things getting wet and slippery in this weather, and that i have never used suction cups before... with a crate tank i have something to grip but just insanly heavy..

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain7359

What are the dims of the tank and tank weight alone?

--the tank is 3x3x2, which wont fit thru my door, sigh... another issue.. guess i have to invert it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain7359

Make sure you have a drill and bits along with hammer and prybar ready to un crate the beast as well. Best of luck and so long as you take your time, you'll be fine however you move it.

--usually use a screwdriver to pry things, guess i need something more heavy duty, gonna pick up some dollies as well from harbor frieght

--thank you all for the advice,
--lang

AaronReef · 12/16/2009, 09:09 PM

If the tank is only 250, I'd consider just using two strong guys. Four people trying to move a tank gets very stressful, too many feet!

In terms of not having a lift gate, if you have a friend with a pickup truck, back it up to the semi, uncrate the tank, load it into the small truck, and then back that up to your door. We do it all the time with pallets of lumber. A few bucks to the driver will get you patience, and most likely even help.

Good luck!

Johnny C · 12/16/2009, 09:11 PM

Let Derek know your situation and ask him for his advice... +1 to just needing a few strong hands. Though as you see it's not going to be easy to ask people to commit on Christmas Eve. Either way, that's one helluva present. Congrats!

acdraindrps · 12/16/2009, 09:26 PM

It will probably end up costing you about a case of beer and maybe some wings or a pizza.

Call a few buddies!

solRNY · 12/17/2009, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronReef

If the tank is only 250, I'd consider just using two strong guys. Four people trying to move a tank gets very stressful, too many feet!

In terms of not having a lift gate, if you have a friend with a pickup truck, back it up to the semi, uncrate the tank, load it into the small truck, and then back that up to your door. We do it all the time with pallets of lumber. A few bucks to the driver will get you patience, and most likely even help.

Good luck!

--sounds like an excellent idea! gonna think about it in terms of using a small suv... sure saves alot of manpower driving the tank up the 30ft driveway to the door... thanks!

acdraindrps · 12/17/2009, 05:43 AM

A 250g Miracles tank is going to weigh a good amount. Two guys could probably do it, but not for too long of a distance I would bet. Good luck sol.

backdraft79 · 12/17/2009, 06:42 AM

Do you know anyone with a dock at work or a shop with a fork lift?

jaybfresh · 12/17/2009, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acdraindrps

A 250g Miracles tank is going to weigh a good amount. Two guys could probably do it, but not for too long of a distance I would bet. Good luck sol.

I think its 250 pounds... not gallons. My tank I would guess weighed around 200 and it was easy with 2 men. If you are gonna invert it to get through the door a 3rd might be useful to keep it pointing up. I'm close but like the rest, will most likely be gone on Xmas Eve. Any idea on a time of day for the delivery?

solRNY · 12/17/2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acdraindrps

A 250g Miracles tank is going to weigh a good amount. Two guys could probably do it, but not for too long of a distance I would bet. Good luck sol.

--thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by backdraft79

Do you know anyone with a dock at work or a shop with a fork lift?

--i have thought about this, where i work they have all that here but i am sure they will not allow me to use it, due to the kinda work that goes on here at LMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaybfresh

I think its 250 pounds... not gallons. My tank I would guess weighed around 200 and it was easy with 2 men. If you are gonna invert it to get through the door a 3rd might be useful to keep it pointing up. I'm close but like the rest, will most likely be gone on Xmas Eve. Any idea on a time of day for the delivery?

--dereck said the tank weights ~ 250lbs, me and my bro had carry a 120gal long just by ourselve, be great to know what that tank weighed, any ideas?
--dereck said i wont know about shipping till monday,

--i think now i have a much better idea, knowing the 120gal long weight will bring me closer to a possible solution. thanks all!

captain7359 · 12/17/2009, 07:07 AM

If you're moving it to the back of an suv just leave it there for a few days till you can get help. Or you could just back up quick and slam on the brakes.

superkat · 12/17/2009, 09:44 AM

ummmmm, back up and slam on brakes? oh, that's excellent advice. I'll bring my baseball mitt.....too funny.

captain7359 · 12/17/2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solRNY

--thanks!

--i think now i have a much better idea, knowing the 120gal long weight will bring me closer to a possible solution. thanks all!

http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/size-chart.html

125 gallon is ~236#

acdraindrps · 12/17/2009, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaybfresh

I think its 250 pounds... not gallons. My tank I would guess weighed around 200 and it was easy with 2 men. If you are gonna invert it to get through the door a 3rd might be useful to keep it pointing up. I'm close but like the rest, will most likely be gone on Xmas Eve. Any idea on a time of day for the delivery?

Oops thanks I missed that. Two guys should be plenty.

Capt_Cully · 12/17/2009, 10:54 AM

Man Lang, I feel for you. Keep me posted. Primarily because I want to see the tank.

What are you doing for a stand and canopy??

solRNY · 12/17/2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain7359

http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/size-chart.html
125 gallon is ~236#

--hmmm, thinking about it... i think there was actually 4 guys, me , my bro, the driver, and i have to count my dad, i think he helped. data is very useful, thanks! at the moment i have 3 whimpy guys + driver, i think we can handle this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt_Cully

Man Lang, I feel for you. Keep me posted. Primarily because I want to see the tank.
What are you doing for a stand and canopy??

--at the moment i dont have any clue, going to put the tank on some DIY stand for the time being and do some more thinking.

Haffs09 · 12/17/2009, 11:43 AM

Good luck with the move! I know how stressful it is planning for a tank delivery. When I received my tank from Miracles, I was fortunate I had access to a loading dock at my father-in-laws work. We loaded it onto a 4x8 trailer and took it home. It my house, I had prebuild a cart, and it just so happened to work out that the height of the cart was only an inch lower than the bottom of the tank when it was uncrated. I used those cheapo suction cup holders from Harbor freight, and with 8 guys, we slid it off the trailer onto my cart. I calculated the tank to weigh ~740lbs. That seemed high to me, but with your tank dimensions and excluding any eurobracing, I get ~215lbs for your tank using the same formula...so it must be right.

My crate had a zillion screws in it, so bring a couple of drills and extra bits. Bring a couple of square bits too. At least with my crate, they secured the bottom plywood to 4x4's with 4" long screws that required the square bits.

Good luck!

12/16/2009, 11:36 AM	#1
solRNY Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: syracuse, ny Posts: 1,420	a miracle delivery... need advice well, after weeks of deciding what to get my lovely wife for this xmas... i placed a call to miracles, got talking to dereck s. and he assured me if i placed my order the tank will be on the truck the following monday + 2 day shipping, therefore the tank will be here on xmas eve! dereck was very helpful in providing me with details i needed, and very responsive to my emails, with his help the sketch was complete and forwarded. got talking more to dereck and he mentions about off loading the tank + crate (~400lbs), so here is my problem, how the heck do i do that? i think serveral poeple here on URS has order tanks from miracle before, if you can give me some advice it would be much appreciated. I am looking for advice on how to off load the crate, what tools I need, should i put together some tank stand with wheels, do i need those suction cups things? I am also looking for people willing to help on xmas eve, as of now i dont know the delivery time on that day, got to beleive it some time in the morning, as it become closer I will have a better idea. I have some beginner frags I can give or cash. If you commit to helping out, I appreicated if you dont back out on the day. I live in brewerton, a few miles north of syracuse. Thanks, -Lang

12/16/2009, 12:41 PM	#2
pimpinitup6969 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Elmira, Ny Posts: 2,503	a engine hoist might be an option? what are the dimensions on the tank? __________________ I'd rather burp and taste it than fart and waste it! Current Tank Info: 125 Gallon, 150 Gallon

12/16/2009, 12:50 PM	#3
jaybfresh Pitcher Hill Reef Society Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 1,597	I would guess lots of manpower would be the easiest! I hope they stick to their delivery schedule... mine was at least a month late, but they never gave me a solid ship date like they gave you. __________________ -J- Current Tank Info: 80g shallow mixed reef

12/16/2009, 02:19 PM	#5
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	engine hoist? 3 strong guys and one wimpy one should be able to move a #400 aquarium. Talk to Dereck and get specifics of the delivery truck (liftgate etc.) like Walter mentioned. Are they using Cavalier? Give the driver incentive (ie: cash) and I'm sure he'll help. I've been to Brewerton and it's far away from where I'll be on Christmas eve (or any other day of the year!) or I'd consider helping. Are you sure they're delivering on Christmas Eve? It sounds like a hokey delivery date. __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

12/16/2009, 02:23 PM	#6
Capt_Cully Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 13,574	Lang, I feel your pain. Ain't easy getting people over to lift 300+# tanks...even if you trick them! I'd love to help you out but my schedule isn't as lax as it used to be. On top of that I'm working Xmas eve anyway. Keep me posted on whats going on with it. I'll help if I can dude. __________________ People say cars are a bad investment. Those people don't have reef tanks. Current Tank Info: 120, Radion Gen 2 Pro x 2

12/16/2009, 01:42 PM	#4
captain7359 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Irondequoit, NY Posts: 2,182	Will the truck have a lift gate to get the crate to ground level or will the crate have to be picked off the truck? What are the dims of the tank and tank weight alone? If there is no lift gate and the trucker is patient (or tipped $$) you can uncrate the tank in the truck and lighten it up. 400# is pushing it for just 2 strong guys, but 4 guys fumbling with a tank is just as dangerous, so you may want to look at borrowing, or making some furniture mover dollies. if you work with suction cups make sure they are good ones (rental from a glass shop??) because the harbor freight ones will just pop off at times and that spells catastrophe. Make sure you have a drill and bits along with hammer and prybar ready to un crate the beast as well. Best of luck and so long as you take your time, you'll be fine however you move it.

12/16/2009, 02:33 PM	#7
Flanders Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 3,592	if it moves to a different day I might be able to help but xmas eve is out of the question. __________________ Insert witty phrase, followed by explosive laughter Current Tank Info: 75 gallon reef, two 175-watt MH, two vho actinic

12/16/2009, 02:50 PM	#8
EllieSuz Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,858	I would consider hiring professionals to assist you. Either movers or perhaps glass shop workers used to working with glass. It's a good time of the year for guys to have the incentive to make a few extra bucks. Make a few phone calls once you have a better idea of time of day for the delivery.

12/16/2009, 02:59 PM	#9
pisces4u Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: rochester, NY Posts: 433	Too far for us to come out, but congratz on the new tank setup!

12/16/2009, 09:09 PM	#11
AaronReef Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 262	If the tank is only 250, I'd consider just using two strong guys. Four people trying to move a tank gets very stressful, too many feet! In terms of not having a lift gate, if you have a friend with a pickup truck, back it up to the semi, uncrate the tank, load it into the small truck, and then back that up to your door. We do it all the time with pallets of lumber. A few bucks to the driver will get you patience, and most likely even help. Good luck! __________________ "If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water." Current Tank Info: 180 and 75 Gallon reefs, both built in, and a very tolerant Wife!

12/16/2009, 09:11 PM	#12
Johnny C Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 4,140	Let Derek know your situation and ask him for his advice... +1 to just needing a few strong hands. Though as you see it's not going to be easy to ask people to commit on Christmas Eve. Either way, that's one helluva present. Congrats! __________________ "...the sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever" -Jacques Cousteau

12/16/2009, 09:26 PM	#13
acdraindrps Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: buffalo, ny Posts: 2,275	It will probably end up costing you about a case of beer and maybe some wings or a pizza. Call a few buddies!

12/17/2009, 05:43 AM	#15
acdraindrps Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: buffalo, ny Posts: 2,275	A 250g Miracles tank is going to weigh a good amount. Two guys could probably do it, but not for too long of a distance I would bet. Good luck sol.

12/17/2009, 06:42 AM	#16
backdraft79 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Buffalo NY Posts: 1,442	Do you know anyone with a dock at work or a shop with a fork lift? __________________ Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well. Mohandas Gandhi Current Tank Info: 90RR with custom stand, canopy and cabnet. More to be added

12/17/2009, 07:07 AM	#19
captain7359 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Irondequoit, NY Posts: 2,182	If you're moving it to the back of an suv just leave it there for a few days till you can get help. Or you could just back up quick and slam on the brakes.

12/17/2009, 09:44 AM	#20
superkat Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: rochester, ny Posts: 4,280 Blog Entries: 88	ummmmm, back up and slam on brakes? oh, that's excellent advice. I'll bring my baseball mitt.....too funny. __________________ “Sometimes it's necessary to go a long distance out of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly” ~ Edward Albee, The Zoo Story

12/17/2009, 10:54 AM	#23
Capt_Cully Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 13,574	Man Lang, I feel for you. Keep me posted. Primarily because I want to see the tank. What are you doing for a stand and canopy?? __________________ People say cars are a bad investment. Those people don't have reef tanks. Current Tank Info: 120, Radion Gen 2 Pro x 2

12/17/2009, 11:43 AM	#25
Haffs09 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 924	Good luck with the move! I know how stressful it is planning for a tank delivery. When I received my tank from Miracles, I was fortunate I had access to a loading dock at my father-in-laws work. We loaded it onto a 4x8 trailer and took it home. It my house, I had prebuild a cart, and it just so happened to work out that the height of the cart was only an inch lower than the bottom of the tank when it was uncrated. I used those cheapo suction cup holders from Harbor freight, and with 8 guys, we slid it off the trailer onto my cart. I calculated the tank to weigh ~740lbs. That seemed high to me, but with your tank dimensions and excluding any eurobracing, I get ~215lbs for your tank using the same formula...so it must be right. My crate had a zillion screws in it, so bring a couple of drills and extra bits. Bring a couple of square bits too. At least with my crate, they secured the bottom plywood to 4x4's with 4" long screws that required the square bits. Good luck!