Transfering DSB creatures

[dischirm]

I have a question for all of you. I just got a new tank (100 gallon long) and will be moving everything from my 65 gal tall. Of course I will cycle the tank with LR first before I even think about transfering the fish, but what about all the life in the DSB?? I know I cannot save every pod and worm etc, but I have so much life (baby snails, micro-stars, big pods, spaghetti worms, bristle worms, everything you can imagine!) and I heard it is not good to move the sand to the new tank due to stirring up things in the DSB that shouldn't be stirred up. Should I somehow strain the sand?? By the way, this is a FOWLR tank. Thanks for any and all ideas. I really dont want to murder all the little creatures! :eek:

[OrionGirl]

There really isn't a great way to move them. I've moved tanks multiple times, and the best way I've found to save critters is two fold. First, scoop up several 'seed' areas--don't go too deep, and understand that adding this sand in will cloud the tank somewhat. Then, once you've removed all the rock and almost all of the water, give yourself a few hours. you'll want about 1 inch of water in the tank--preferably in pools, that will expose other areas to the air. This encourages the critters to come out, make their way to the pools, giving you the chance to pluck them up and move them into the new tank. I focus on the bigger fauna--snails, stars, worms, big pods, etc. It works, you'll get enough to have a good population in the new tank.

[msouth468]

What are DSB creatures?

[OrionGirl]

The critters that live in and maintain a deep sand bed--stars, snails, worms, pods, crabs, shrimp, etc.

[msouth468]

Got it thanks.