Downsizing tank - need ideas for safe removal of Alpheus randalli

[DensityMan]

Downsizing the 75 back into a 29 gallon system (for many reasons at this time).

The tank currently has a 5 to 7 inch DSB and at least 3 surviving A. randalli (candy-striped pistol shrimp). Two of these shrimp made the move from the 29 to the 75 originally and at that time I simply shifted the sand carefully as I could see much of their burrow system.

The problem this time is that they have been in the 75 for over two years and the various burrows they've constructed span the entire tank.

Any one have experience/suggestions on safely moving these beautiful shrimp?

http://www.densityman.com/images/reef_tank_new/fish/yasha/chrissy_w_shrimp.jpg

http://www.densityman.com/images/reef_tank_new/fish/s_nema_pair.jpg

[BeanAnimal]

Could you possible trap them somehow by burring a small box next to their burrows and allowin them to get comfy?

[Brion~]

Hey DM,
Already responded to you on the other forum. BUt just chase the shrimp down it's hole with you finger. be gentle but there aren't a lot of ways to do this. i try following the burrow by feeling my way through it this of course tears up the sand and burrow but it normally results in the inhabitants abandoning the perverbial ship. Good luck buddy,
Brion

[bowfront26]

I had on in a nano cube that lived under this large rock. I moved that rock into my40 gallon and the shrimp ended up in the 40g.
is it possible to move the rock the shrimp is primarily under?