I have decided, after my 20 gl double stand setup, the 30 gl planted tropicals is next, simply because I just can't wait for the movers next weekend, and I can only imagine what those big guys could do to my poor plants in that tank. Plus, that tank is the only one left size wise that fits into my car!
The way I figure it, I catch the fish out and put them in a bucket or two some of their water and an airpump, and let the water out from the tank as low as possible. But what do I do with all the plants? Can they just stay in there for the 30 min drive? And I have gravel on top of Flora base substrate, and I am pretty sure, some of that stuff will get all messed up during the drive and handling. Is it okay for some of the substrate ending up ON TOP of the gravel?
The thing I am most excited about is the future spot for that tank. In the house, by sheer luck, is a little room devider, 3 1/2 ft by 1 ft (just the size of the tank), and the tank will fit so nicely on there. I will see into the tank from both sides, and I can hang the light from a little frame above that is already there, and in that frame would fit some sort of glass painting of goldfish, that I can do myself!!

Wow....that sounds so cool!!!!!!!!!!!! If you are leaving some water in tank,the plants should be ok-If you are really cocerned ,you can always roll them in dampened news paperand seal them in baggies,but heh-30 min. No guts,no glory! Isnt that flora base one of the ones that say that you don't need any other substrate with it? I can't see that being an issue either.if you leave the plants in place,hopefully the roots of the plants will keep most of it together. The area where you are putting your tank,sounds great! It would be really cool to use it as a room divider,and to see it in both rooms! The whole idea with the light ,painting,totally works for me! Once again -get it done soon so you can post pics!!!

Sharon, the tank, and plants, survived!! And you were right, the roots kept the substrate in place, not one single shifting during the move!! A few plants took a little hit from being out in the dry for a bit too long, but they will recover over time. It looks really neat now, the tank as kind of a room devider, but I haven't found my camera yet to take pictures. I hate unpacking boxes!!