Will a brittle star bother GSP

[dakineacct]

I have a 3 gallon nano with a variety of mushrooms, cloves and GSP, and all have been doing very well since I have had them. In the last couple of days one of the GSP has not been opening. All water parameters are good, no change in lighting, location or flow, and all other tank mates look great. The one thing I did notice is a small brittle star has taken up residence under the GSP, would the brittle star be causing the GSP not to open?

 

[scuba guy ron]

The brittle stars usually only come out at night. The gsp I have close at night and reopen during the day. Its highly doubtful it is bothering them IMO.

 

[kingfisher62]

Sometimes that happens to GSP. The starfish will help keep their matting clean.

 

[JimmyK]

My brittle does a great job keeping a large patch of GSP clean. They close when he walks on them then open minutes later. I don't think anythng can kill GSP........

 

[cubsFAN]

GSP's!!! run for your lives!!! Your fire arms are useless against them!!!

The only thing i've seen take down gsp is algae and poor quality water. some years ago I lost some star polyps to some cyano. In your relatively small tank is it possible that things may have changed even though you think they are consistent? When was the last time you checked your water or did a water change? Are your pumps dirty? Hows the temp fluctuations? how long has the tank been set up? The mini brittle stars will not affect your gsps.

 

[dakineacct]

Haven't tested in a couple of days, but I did a 1 gallon water change a week ago, and will test and do another water change today. I topoff (about 1/2 cup of water) every other day to keep salinity consistent. Temp stays between 75 and 78. Tank has been up for about 4 months.

Maybe with a water change they will return to normal. Thanks.