Gravel question/ moving question

I want to add some more gravel to my aquarium, but i have live plants and i don't want to disrupt the rooting system. Can i just add it on top without messing uprooting the plants? or do i need to take it all out and replant everything? Im also fixing to move so i plan on doing it after I move, but I also have a question about moving, i did read an article from this site, but it said i needed to break everything down. Im just moving down the road, it will take like 5 minutes, i was wondering if i could just take all but about 6 inches of water out and leave everything in it and then just fill it back up when i get to the new house. How is the best way to do this?

[Cjazinski]

Well as far as the moving. i had a SW tank and i moved about 15 mins away. what i did is i got a 25 gal bucket lined it with a bag, poured in oh about 85-90% of the water moved my tank (light enough to carry by then) and when i got to new location i just added the water from the bucket back into my tank. Nothing was harmed during the move. I'm pertty sure that would work for FW also. hope that helps

[Fishyfanatic]

The problem with moving and having water in the tank is that the bottom may not be able to support the weight. Most tanks can't. A 55 gal tank will surely not be able to hold the weight of all of the gravel/decor/and most of the water. I'd advise against it.

[Cjazinski]

mine was only a 20 gal tank. fishy know's best.

[jonnyb1425]

Take as much water as possible out of the tank and bring it to the new place. Even muiltiple trips would be advised if it is right down the road. I moved last month and haven't lost any fish yet. I used three rubbermaid 25's to do the job. A pain... yes! But definitely worth it in the end. Cleaning up the mess that comes from a broken bottom weould hardly seem worth it.