For the first 5 days I don't have sand, I have large leaves. Sometimes they wriggle below them, sometimes on top of them. I have quite a lot of leaves and floating plants in there so the light isn't too bright. I think for some of that first period they are living off the egg sac. I perhaps should have sand, but personally I've always felt the key was plants and leaves for micro foods–I'm not much use with green water or brine shrimp. I've given up on feeder boxes that hang inside tanks, I find a floating Tupperware easier. Then after 5-7 days I put them in a small existing tank with no fish, only shrimps and snails. In the Tupperware I change most of the water daily, sometimes adding tank water, sometimes clean water. To be honest I've always found it very easy. I'm sure I lose some, but I have too many now, from successive broods, and want someone in Scotland to accept some as a gift! Some of mine are a little small as adults, but perfectly happy and healthy. I'm guessing they didn't get enough food in the first 6 months.