Sand Sifting Starfish

[StephLionfish]

My system is about 6 years old, switched to a sand bed over a year ago. I've had the sifter for a few months so far. But have killed my corals from advice on these sites.

On RC? I have never once read a finished thread where wrong advice was given, and not corrected by someone else on Reef Central.
The time line " A few months" is still pretty much a new born baby, as far as age to your tank goes. The success stories we look for are from people who've have these stars years and years.
Sorry if I'm coming off firm, but these stars are dying due to lack of knowledge among hobbyists.
I have a 55g that had two stars in there, and my sand bed was terrible. They died in a crash I believe they contributed greatly to. It was my LFS that suggested I by them in the first place, and fought with me when I told them they are bad for your sand bed, and most starve. They're just one of those things that either require a dedicated tank(s), or should be left in the ocean.

 

[rjcranor]

Well every one has there opinions, have noticed quite a wide range of opinions from good to bad. So it seems like a gamble either way.

 

[SushiGirl]

There's a difference between opinion and fact. If you doubt facts, you can always search the rest of the world wide web for info. Read the following, all which agree with the "opinions" of those experienced people here.

Sand Sifting Starfish
Sand Sifting Starfish
Sand Sifting Starfish

And if you don't believe anyone else, maybe you'll believe Bob Fenner (feel free to look him up to find out who he is)...
Sand Sifting Starfish

 

[scolley]

Why does it have to be a Sand Sifting star? Why not a Serpent? Not the troublesome green ones, but a common brown one? I've got a brown and a red. All in a 29g - for more than two years. Only drawbacks are pulling down poorly anchored frags and stealing food from LPS.

Seems to be a decent compromise... You've got really fun stars, they just require a bit of acomodation.

 

[Kharn]

ChucksAddicition - Clean Up Crews. (quote)

"Please note that the so called sand sifting starfish are not recommended simply because they, through their sifting of the sand are only doing so in order to find and eat the sand dwelling infauna that you paid for when you purchased live sand. The same can be said of any animal that actively sifts the sand such as some goby species."

Take it as you see it...

 

[gnasher]

I bought one for a very old 40 gallon tank on the recommendation of the fish store before I knew better. It was one of the biggest mistakes I've made so far in the hobby. After the purchase, I looked them up and read about how difficult they were to keep alive and figured I could do it if I tried hard.

It really sucks watching something you're supposed to care for wither away in front of you. I tried feeding it pellets and all sorts of frozen foods. I even bought pods just for it. It ate nothing and slowly grew skinny and lost parts until I stopped seeing it. It took about four months.

I've met people that say they've successfully fed theirs, and I believe those on this forum that say theirs are doing well. All I can say is that I personally tried my best and still killed it.

As for the LFS "just trying to make a buck," I think it's more often the case that the employees there are not as well informed as they should be.

 

[yeloowtang]

well !!! i figure i would post at least one success story

i've always had one in my reefs,i had one in my former 120g and had it for
almost 4 years before i had to take the system down because work had me
away from home to much.
the same star i had the whole time and it was taken back to my trusted LFS
when i closed my tank..
now i have one in my 92 corner with 80+lbs of live rock and it's going strong
,doing so for 18 months..

i got a small one and she's now at about 3"..

not contradicting the experts here nor do i suggest you should go buy one..
BUT
they don't all just die !!!! if you have a well established system they can thrive...

in fact i have 4 stars all together
1- sand sifting now 3"
1-red with black tip formia (not sure on the spelling for this one) 3"
1-blue linkia 4"max
1-serpent

they are all doing great and growing...

i'm sure that their are others who have had them as well

that's my story

steff