Any seastar keepers out there

[daveverdo]

I am looking into suitablity of different starfish for my 90g mixed reef.

I have read that many Linckia are short lived.

I have also read that Fromia Starfish are pretty good in a reef tank.

I am leaning toward a Fromia but thought I see what others thought.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Johnny C]

I've tried 3 of the Linkias (two blue and one red) and none of them lasted more than a month. Fromia Stars have a much higher survival rate. If you find either that have been at the store for more than a couple weeks, your usually in the clear. Dead or decaying arms are a dead give-away (no pun intended) that it isn't going to survive.

Just my two cents, hope this helps.

 

[AC11337]

i had a dalmation linkia for almost 2 years in my 55. They sometimes have them at TRS

 

[dreaminmel]

I just lost my blue linckia after having it for almost three years. A well seasoned sand bed and buying a healthy one to begin with are your best bets for keeping them long term. I made the mistake of removing my entire sand bed and replacing it all at once otherwise I'd still have mine. I intend on getting another one in a few months.

 

[superkat]

i have a red one that i bought as a baby...doing very well. i agree with Mel on having a nice sand bed, well seasoned.

 

[eugeneK]

regardless of which one you get, drip aclimate it. +1 on damaged arms = gonner most of the time.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

i had a dalmation linkia for almost 2 years in my 55. They sometimes have them at TRS

there are two types of Linckia: the "dalmation" and the blue.

All other stars are from another family.

Acclimation (all along the supply chain from collecter to retailer to aquarist) is the key to success with starfish (ESPECIALLY Linckia) IME.
Linckia also require a well established reef aquarium type environment.

We are fortunate enough to have several LFS's in Rochester that have provided many in this area with healthy long lived Linckia.