New cleanup crew - move from buckets?

[tonga_man]

My new crew (new cycled tank) is aclimating right now (thanks SWF.com ) What is the best way to move them from the two 5 gal buckets when the proceedure is done?
Thanks,

 

[gatorcsm]

just put them in. If there are snails, try to get them somewhere where they won't be starting out upside down... IE, don't just throw them in. Make sure they're on a flat surface, or get them to attach to the glass.

 

[overanalyzer]

Shrimp will come to your hand and yo ucan gently lower them in ... did this with cleaner and peppermints ... crabs I picked up and set around the tank (do not just put them all in one place). The snails I spread around the tank. Nass snails I put around the tank on teh sand bed .....
good luck - what did you get?

 

[tonga_man]

I bought the 100+ reef package. They are all moving and shuffling around in the two buckets. It looks like a crash up derby contest right now... LOL SWF.com did an excelent job in the packaging and the shipment. How do I transfer the starfish? Should I use a net? I don't want to hurt them. They are moving all around the buckets.
Thanks,

 

[overanalyzer]

I just moved my brittle star using a small bowl then took it out and put it into the tank. So it had very little "air time" and as little stress as possible. I would do them last - let them acclimate for a good long time!!!
Nice clean-up crew - be sure to feed them a bit no and again as it is fairly large group of critters!

 

[tonga_man]

Thanks for the info! I think I moved them all in without a hitch... All the stars went right into the holes in the rocks, the crabs are running all over the sand bed, the snails are climbing everything and the dusters have their plumage out. I would think that is a good thing. LOL As for giving them something to eat... With my latest brown algae bloom they should be fat and happy! I have food to add later as they eat all that is there up...
Thanks for all the help!