Starfish exposed to air

[fergieturk]

Hi all,
I'm going to move my starfish to my friend's tank and was wondering if he can be exposed to air. He was exposed to air when I first got him (going from the bag to net to tank), but since then I've been reading they shouldn't be exposed at all. I was stupid and didn't realize how big he would get and now I just think it's cruel to keep him in my small tank.
What's the best way to get him out of there? He lives under a 15 lb. LR. Should I take the rock out and net him or what? I don't want to totally disturb everyone else as they get pretty worked up when anything other than water (i.e. my hand) goes in to the tank.
Thanks,
Michelle

 

[Hara]

What kinds of seastar is it? Serpent stars can tolerate the time from tank to bag well enough, I understand that linckia's should not be exposed to air. To be on the safe side, I would catch it by hand and put it in the bag/bowl all while under water.