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I have 2 in my tank and I've read mixed reviews on them. What's talks opinion on them?
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Sand sifting starfish: Good or bad (1 Viewer)
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Clownfish Chris
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I have 2 in a 210. The sand dimensions are 7' x 2' x 1". I have had them for about 6 months and they have both doubled in size. I vote good if you have the space.
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Ok, I've just heard that they kill the life in your sand and then wither away
FarmerTy
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That has always been my understanding of them which is why I never bought one. I think the main issue is the destruction of sandbed fauna and also the disturbance of sub-oxic layers in your sandbed that would disrupt denitrification zones. I guess if you didn't have a deep sand bed, then that wouldn't matter as much and the only detriment is it'll put a dent in your sandbed micro-fauna.
Sandsifting starfish, Gobies, some snails, will all kill the life. I'd stay away if you have fine sand that's full of life as it will deplete the life and kill the bed.
Ugh...makes me rethink having mine! It hasnt been happy lately after adding crushed coral to my raised sand beds...maybe its a sign its time to part ways with it....
You can have the one in my large tank if you want to give it a go lol!
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You can have the one in my large tank if you want to give it a go lol!
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Wrasse's can also deplete the life.
Tangs
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Ya I have heard that it is not good for your sand bed as well. Part of my filtration is an under gravel so I do rely on sand bed filtration. I do like star fish but can not have them. I enjoy the summer heat which includes having my tank go over 80. At 82 I start to put a fan on it to cool it down and if that does not work I will put the air on. With my experience star fish can not tolerate a tank over 80 degrees.
FarmerTy
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Just to report, I've had a blue linkia in my 215-gallon for about 1.5 years now and my average temperature is about 81 degrees year round. I don't know the tolerances of starfish as I'm sure it varies depending on location they are found but I can say at least that this guy is doing good at this temp.
Mark L.
Moved On
I've had the same one for 8 years now. He started out in my 100 gal. Was in there for 2 years before being moved into my 240 gal. My opinion is that if you are not establishing a TRUE deep sand bed in your display they are fine to have. They are GREAT at eating detritus from the sand bed. Also because bacteria is microscopic and lives on the surface of each grain of sand the starfish won't depleat bacteria. It's true if they run out of left over food particles fallen to the sand or detritus they will eat any other pods they find in the sand.
My starfish has grown from the size of a half dollar to he size of my hand. My tank is still packed with all kinds of pod life. I can see them all over the rocks and sand at night. I feel they are a great way to keep your sand clean if you don't have 4" or more deep sand bed.
What type of starfish are we talking about?
Tangs
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Cool and I am happy for you. All I know is that I can not have star fish in my tank unless I get a chiller or have a thermostatic air conditioner installed ...Both of which I have no interest in getting just to have a star fish thank you
Tangs
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I have tried regular chocolate Chip, red and and sifting....all croak cus of the summer heat. They start to deteriorate at 80 .
FarmerTy
Silver Sponsor
I did lose a red linkia. I had bought it at the same time as the blue linkia.
Clownfish Chris
Moved On
For what it's worth, my tank is consistently at 80 degrees and has hit 86 once. Sps took a hit. Starfish are fine.
In the summertime, my tanks avg between 80-82 and both sandsifters do just fine. It could be because they were introduced during the winter when I am able to keep a steady 77. So they can gradually acclimate as the tank temp rises for the summer and lowers for the winter.
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For the record, sand sifters don't die until the temp hits mid 90s. Long story short, I came home after a vacation to a 96 degree tank. The sifter was the only thing still alive and kicking. He lasted a few days after that then died though.
Mark L.
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Tangs
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Ya exactly he died and went to star fish heaven. When they do start to go they slowly dinintegtate. All I know is enough is enough.... no mo star fish for this dude. I do not purchase livestock unless I am pretty certain I can take good care of them. And I am sure Diesel would agree if he was still with us. Last one I purchased was an orangy red small one around 7 years ago.. I got him in the fall thinking I can convert my winter gold fish 55 gallon pond tank in my basement into a salty during the warm summer months. He only lasted a few weeks down there so I give up butter cup.
