Hey, if your moving why not set up the new tank. Then move 50-75 of water with you?
The night B4 I took the new I had the new tank delivered to new apt with boxed water (30gallons).
(I was there to paint anyway)
I setup everything except the sump (which was coming off the old tank)
I tested my seals with a few buckets os plain water!!!!!
When I moved I started early AM. here were the stages.
1. syphoned sand to rubbermaid tote. (on a dolly!!!!!!!!!)
with enough waterto barely cover sand.
2. live rock that was coming to the new set up also in a rubbermaid tote on dolly with enough water to splash cover (covered and taped)
3. 40% of water from DT in poland spring 5 gallon water jugs.
4. Disconnected sump and drained most of the water ( put on top of dolly with sand)
4. Transport to new apt. and set up sump on new tank, dumped 20 gallons in sump and tested new connections to the tank by pouring water from a 5 gallon jug into over flow. No leaks!
5. placed sand then rocks in new tank andlet the sump pumps fill the display
(much easier to pour into the sump than the tank and made sure to place the spouts on rock work so as to not disturb the sand.)
Note: this took appox two hours.
6. Back home to get fish and other delicates (inverts, csoral, etc)
Note: wife still in bed movers due to arrive at 11 AM
7. Arrived at new apt with fish and stuff floated the bags just in case but temp was good, and it was after all the same water! So 30min and in they went!
8. Had new water (premade boxed seawater) on hand as I had knew I would not be able to make my own with so much to do. So figured how many boxes and dumped into rubbermaid tubs with a heater and a powerhead.
9. Stopped at Mickey D's for drivethru breakfast for the wife and kids and back to the house and was received like a god!!!!!
This was easy in that I had a new tank and stand to move to but it can be done withone tank if you have more time, more tubs, and ppl for transport.
In essence I did what amounted to an approx 25% water change and a cleaning/stirring of sandbed and no cycle issues or wait time.
Hope this helps!