Sand Sifting Star

[raddog1]

I have a small brown sand sifting star, hes maybe 2 - 2.5 inches across and buries himself in the sand occasionally surfacing. He is in the tank with 6 other various snails. The tank has been up for a month now and I am wondering should I feed him anything? I can post a pic later tonight if needed to id. The snails are doing fine eating the algea and stuff on the rocks and glass, just wondering if the star needs more than whats in the sand.

Tank is a 29G biocube, with 25# of sand which was seeded with 1# from the LFS and then 28# of marshal is. rock.

Thanks.

 

[J. Montgomery]

Sand sifting stars do not eat prepared foods, they scavenge through the sand and prey upon microfauna (and lots more than a 29 gallon tank is likely to sustain). It would suggest that you return the star and stick with the snails (Nassarius and Cerinth snails are good sand sifters).

 

[sanfordbhines]

Yes, I agree with J. Montgomery. Sand Sifting Stars need an established tank with plenty of sand surface to feed from.

 

[Grins]

I agree, I'd take the star back or trade him with someone that has a bigger tank.