Tanks must be fully drained and, past a certain size, the glass is trailered flat rather than carried upright. Livestock and water need a separate transport plan — this estimate covers the empty tank, stand and canopy only.
| Type | Typical weight | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Small tank | under 40 gal | $850–$1,200 |
| Medium tank | 40–100 gal | $1,545–$2,180 |
| Large tank | 100–250 gal | $2,700–$3,815 |
| Reef / large custom system | 250+ gal | $3,860–$5,450 |
For a large tank, expect roughly $2,700–$3,815 over the 980-mile move.
Long-distance specialty movers often combine multiple items on one truck run, so the per-mile rate drops as the route gets longer — short moves pay a premium for a dedicated trip.
Size/weight class of the aquarium, how many flights of stairs at pickup or delivery, and how far in advance you can book a truck.