White Sand Starfish

[LeanneP]

Just wondering what people's experiences have been with the white sand starfish? I have read some conflicting reports on whether or not they are good to have. I have a DSB and an 86 gallon tank that is established. One place said they make your sand bed sterile because they eat everthing in it. Will it be a problem with corals or madarins?

Leanne

[FitoPharmer]

The thing about sand sifting stars is they are not the best sandbed stirring CUC memeber you can get. IMO a sea cucumber or a small conch are much better options for a reef tanks sand bed. Sand stirring stars have a well known reputation of over cleaning sand, even in larger heavier stocked setups and dieing. And on the other hand they die if there is not enough food in the tank for it being understocked or a immature setup.

[FitoPharmer]

http://www.melevsreef.com/55g/fighting_conch_052103.jpg
Plus I have never met a star fish with this much character :mrgreen:

[LeanneP]

Is that a conch? I have to say that he is pretty unusual looking! Not sure if he ugly or cute!

[tim the toolman]

I have a fighting conch and I love him. And he is definitely cute lol

[reefgirl189]

He's so ugly he's cute.

I think I need one. Are they okay with any sand or does it need to be fine grade?

[toytech]

I vote for a conch or two , eversince ive added one my sand looks like it should be in a crest commercial.

[FitoPharmer]

He's so ugly he's cute.

I think I need one. Are they okay with any sand or does it need to be fine grade?

They do best in finer grades of sand.

[ILIKECOUGARS]

The sand sifting star will eat everything good in the sandbed and once the food starts to run low/out it will start to loose it arms and slowly die.

[janalta]

I've heard the same thing about sand sifting stars...but, my daughter brought one home because it was cool...and it's been thriving in my 55 gal tank for almost a year now.
My sandbed is clean but certainly not picked barren....lots of worm tunnels, etc.