I would do the batches as large as your can tolerate. Not sure what you back issues are like but making up 30 gallons in a Brute trash can and then using a 5 gallon bucket to do small trips would work well. Using a pump will keep you from lifting buckets over your head. Good for water changes as well.Yeah, I agree. I thought about maybe batching it out over the course of a few weeks. There's still so much equipment to research, review and buy, that this tank is gonna be a marathon rather than a sprint.