Moving tips please. Especially with a cute feather duster!

[smartang22]

Hello all! I am moving in two weeks and although it is just a 14 gallon nano I am very nervous. I have 4 large rocks and the bottom rock has a feather duster that has made himself a comfortable little home. I plan on using three buckets for the rocks and the water that will cover them. I will have a bucket for my shrimp, clown, and pom pom crab too. But I just have no idea how to move the feather duster. If I leave the rock in the tank with a little water to cover him then I risk movement of the rock and duster. If I take that rock out then I must move the duster. I know they can be very sensitive and he is doing very well right now. I would hate to lose him because of this. Any suggestions would be great! Especially if you have moved a feather duster before and had him survive. I hate the thought of distrupting the tank because everything is going so well. Wish me luck!!!

Angela

 

[crvz]

I don't think you'll have a problem moving it. Is it actually attached to the rock? I wouldnt worry so much. I havent moved any, but I have bought them before. It gets transported in that way just the same.

 

[kfisc]

It could be ok if you move it very carefully and it is allowed to maintain its position on the rock- but it may dispel its "feather" apparatus, a common shock reaction; it may even crawl out of its sheath and look for new digs if really stressed. I've seen them grow back their "feathers," but once they crawl out it seems very touch and go.

 

[smartang22]

The thing is that it is under the bottom rock. I watched it one day just sort of scoot under there. He let his "feathers" go a couple months ago and they look great now. So basically I am going to have to remove the rock and then place him in a bag to transport? I guess whatever I do is going to be traumatic. Thanks!

 

[crvz]

yeah, unless you can move the whole tank without draining it (which is a terrible idea), it's going to cause some stress. just be gentle, you'll be alright.