Starfish problem

[kellenm]

I have a sand sifting starfish and it appears that one of his legs is falling off/dissintigrating. Has anyone ever seen anything like this? What can I do to save it. Everything else in the tank is ok and my water params seem to be ok.

 

[kellenm]

Seems that after some short research on nano-reef it could be a starvation problem ie not enough food left in my sandbed. But I couldn't find any info on what I SHOULD be feeding him since all he eats is my detritus. Any ideas?

 

[blooper74]

You could always up your bio-load by feeding your fish more food to get them to dookie more in your tank, thus giving more food to the star. Doing that will risk tank fluctuations though. I am not sure what to tell you. I heard of a company that has a food mix that you put on the sand for those types of stars, if I can find the link i will post it for you.

 

[brad23]

sand sifting stars don't eat crap.

 

[jgsensor]

Sand sifting stars eat the live fauna/critters in the sand. A nano tank is way too small for them. There is simple not enough sand to support this type of starfish in your tank.

 

[blooper74]

Well I told you I was not sure about them. These guys know more than me about them. Listen to them. I was only trying to help.

 

[brad23]

I wouldn't try and keep a sandsifter in anything less than a 75g. I had one in my 37 and it lasted 2 months.

 

[kellenm]

Sounds good, well since he's still in pretty decent condition. Would treating the problem area with iodine be a good solution. That way I can get him back to the store.

 

[kellenm]

Also since he is the main thing obviously stirring up my sand what are other nano-reefers using to clean it up.

 

[hounddog01]

They are correct Nano's just can not support a Sand Sifter. My wifes cousin had the same problem. Horase took good care of it for him.

 

[hounddog01]

They are correct Nano's just can not support a Sand Sifter. My wifes cousin had the same problem. Horace took good care of it for him.

 

[smorrow5773]

6 or so nassarius snails will work excellent for a nano