Fish placement during tank update

[drspaceman]

I'll be taking over a 120G tank in the next week and curious for some advice/input on the best way to safely keep the tank inhabitants happy and healthy during the process. It will take at least a couple days to get the main tank setup after we tear it down and move it. Potentially longer if I decide to make any modifications to the existing plumbing and sump.

Current Livestock:
2 Oceallaris
2 Firefish Gobies
2 Banggai Cardinalfish
1 melanaurus wrasse

I have a 30G QT idle and ready to be used, but that seems too small for all current inhabitants to exist peacefully & safely, even short term. They are all co-existing fine with the exception that the Cardinalfish, who had to be separated recently. I'm thinking a second 30-40G tank should be employed while the main tank is prepped. My main concerns are:
* Keeping the Cardinalfish separate
* Keeping the firefish together in a smaller tank might spark aggression?


Any thoughts on the best way to split these up in the short term? I was thinking
Tank 1: ocellaris pair, 1 firefish, 1 cardinal
Tank 2: wrasse, 1 firefish, 1 cardinal

 

[Honda_6]

I have always used rubbermaid tubs with a powerhead, and heater with some live rock or pvc for hiding places. Your wrasse will appreciate a bowl of sand in whatever you decide to use. If the Cardinal is already an issue you might rehome it now, and just put everything else together so you only need to do a water change and monitor ammonia on one instead of two.

 

[nuxx]

Just go pick up a 40 gallon breeder from Petco during their dollar per gallon sale.

Run it with a HOB filter and skimmer. Add a powerhead pointed to the surface, heater and airstone. Add some rock or PVC.

Make sure you have ammonia badges and some prime on hand. Wouldn't hurt to dose stability during the time they're in there as well.

Meant to run the 30 and 40 gallon at the same time splitting up the fish.