how do you get the sea stars into the tank without adding the water they came in, if they can't be in the air?

i am not a sea star expert, but i do know there sensitivity to air varies from on species to another. stars like sand sifting, brittle, and serpent stars are not as sensitive, and the quick move from the acclimation tank/QT to the display usually doesn't cause a problem. i believe its the linkias that are more sensitive, but even there, i know people will just limit air contact to a second or two and they are fine.

i have not kept or acclimated a linkia so i wont speak further on them.
but this is what i have done with sand sifters and serpent stars with good success

Honestly, when I acclimate... my rule of thumb is "Dilution is the solution to pollution". I NEVER expose specimens to air. I dump as much of the LFS water as I can, drip acclimate the specimen for some time, depending on species, remove MOST of that water again, and release the bugger into its new home. Yes, there is a TRACE of LFS water that gets in, but it is diluted.

I know that most purists will gasp and call me a bad, bad hobbyist, but I've not had a problem thus far. I'd NOT want to introduce more than a 1/4 cup of that water to my system, but if your tank is healthy, a little of the original water (unless of course you see parasites etc) will not kill ya.

This MAY be the first time Rob and I go head to head on a subject..stay tuned ;)

Dave

dont worry Dave you wont get an argument from me.
i do not let the water from hte LFS in my tank, but honestly if you make every attempt to reduce it as much as possible and it is in the species best interest and the water is from a trusted LFS, i cant argue with it.
is it the "best" thing, no.. will it cause a tank crash? likely not..

see, we can have differing opinions and still agree.. :)

thanks guys........actually, i was thinking that both ways might be possible....good to see both work

i am planning on serpents stars...... so, it should not be too big of a deal

i am planning on serpents stars...... so, it should not be too big of a deal
i have had multiple serpent stars.. you should be fine with either way... :)

What about Cu in the lfs water?

this is very common, as many LFS will by default treat all incoming fish with Cu.
this is one of the reasons we try to keep the water out of our tanks.. :)