I am getting married in January, and will be moving out of my parents home. I am terrified about moving my tanks. I have about 5 set up. Ranging from 120 to 10 gallons. I plan on reducing to the 120 and a 55. I really do not want any loss. Some of my rainbowfish are relatively rare, or i have raised from eggs. The 120 (my main display tank) is what i am most worried about. The fish are rather large and it is heavily planted.
So far my plan is to leave the tank set up here, while i set up an empty 55 gallon at the new place. I dont know where thatll be yet, but we wouldnt move farther than 20 min. I plan on waiting for the 55 to cycle and then slowly add my fish to it. I know tearing down and setting up the 120 will take forever, and thats a way to ensure they arent dying in bags.
Does this sound like a solid plan? What are some tips to the fish transfer (remember itll be winter)? How many should i transfer at once? How long should the 55 run before i add fish? Any tips on removing and the substrate?