I moved a 440 lb acrylic tank in two stages.
First, it came into the house using 6 people, and no suction cups. It was dicey
keeping a good grip on the bottom, but was manageable.
The tank then sat for a month on our pool table until the stand was ready. The final move came with 4 people each using a suction cup. The tank felt about half the weight of the initial move, and was a breeze to lift onto the stand (at 45.5" tall).
Yes, you'll have to remove the paper coating on the acrylic to get a solid grip. I borrowed some suction cups from a professional firm, so they had ample capacity for the required lift (pump-action suction, not a lever setting). When I practized with a suction cup to check it out, I found that my strength gave out while lifting at an end of the tank before there was any sign that the suction cup was even thinking about slipping.
Definately required for the safety of all concerned ...
Good luck with that monster tank
