Sand-sifting star... (1 Viewer)

[rxonco]

Does anyone keep one of these in their reef tank? Dr. Shimek on RC says that they're not a good idea because they feed on everything that lives in the sand.
I was wondering if it was really necessary to have something that keeps the top layer of sand stirred up. If so, what would be a good alternative to the starfish? My livestock consists of a six-line and flasher wrasse, a blue damsel, a Clarkii, a cleaner shrimp, some hermits, some snails, and a variety of softies.

 

[ShaneV]

nassarius snail are great sand bed cleaner/stirer. They stay hidden underneath the sand, and come out when you feed the tank.

 

[Guest]

Dr. Ron says that these stars are bad because they eat all the detrivores that his DSB system relies on (not to mention the additional detrivores he suggests you order each year.) If you don't have a DSB then they are fine. My problem has been starving them because my SB was either too new or small (not enough roaming area.)
What is your current problem with you SB?
I think Fighting Conches are a better option.

 

[rxonco]

I don't really have a problem, other than a brown patch of algae every once and awhile.
Do you run into any problems with the Conch...knocking things over, etc...?
Where would be a good place to get one?

 

[Guest]

The brown algae is most likely cyano which can be corrected (possibly) by increasing the flow to that area. Fighting conches don't climb (usually) but there is much arguement over identification of species (unfortunately).
I am very happy with the one that I bought (labeled as a ) fighting conch and it eats cyano. As for where to buy they come from Florida so in the summer it won't be hard to find one (from time to time) at a local fish store.

 

[rxonco]

Thanks for your help...as always. 8)

 

[incysor]

I've got one in each of my tanks. But then I didn't set up a DSB. Mine is 2-3inches max. I put them in about the 3rd month the tanks were up, and they've been fine ever since. I have a couple nassarius snails in the reef tank, and they are very cool. They just weren't an option for the octo tank, since he'd dig them up and eat 'em. He never bothered the star at all though.

B

 

[sultros]

Fighting conches are great but I would recommend a Queen.

My Fighter has disappeared for a few weeks now which I hear is common.

I run a 2inch SB and using ceriths, an olive snail, a few Nassarius, and current good current from powerheads my top layer stays nice and white.

Im not sure I would recommend olive snails yet. Dr Ron says not to but they seem to function just like Nassarius. It surfaces out from the sandbed like a submarine at feeding time. Im keeping an eye on my snail population to see if its eating them. Id have a entire sandbed full of small ones If I lived in Fla and could collect them.