starfish question

[RevRoy]

My tank is about a year old now an I would like to add a star. what are the requirements for a star. what kind could I put in my nano and it not kill my corals?

[coral_reefer_25]

Bittle stars are generally peaceful to corals...however they are nocturnal, so you won't see them much during the day. They are scavengers...they eat detritus and such...you can also feed them krill.

Linkia stars are peaceful, but I've been told they are difficult to keep.

Stars are very sensitive to changes in salinity, temp and pH, so keeping them in a nano 'might' not be the best idea given that there's not a lot of room for error, however I'm sure that someone is doing it successfully.

[wooglin]

Brittle stars are neat. I have alot of them. They are reproducing in my tank, and I often see babies.

[SRT80]

dont brittle stars get pretty big though? I remember seeing little red stars at AC. When they have them, they are in the 24g cube by the desk. Around $16. I don't know anything about them though. I think they are red bali stars? I could be wrong. Pretty cool though.

Steve

[mamagoose45]

Yup, red bali stars. We had one when we first started, and kept it around for about 8 or 9 months probably. It cruised all over the 55, and then one day, was just gone. I thought about getting one of them for my 5.5 nano, but decided it probably wasn't a good idea in a tank that small. In a 24, I would think it would be fine as long as you keep up with top offs and monitor everything. I'm no expert though, so definately ask for a second opinion. :)

[rcmike]

I have tried several stars and the only reef safe one I have had good luck with are brittle/serpent stars and Linkia Multifora. Most of the "regular looking" starfish slowly waste away, even in my 110g tank due to lack of food. I doubt they would live very long int a 24gal. tank. I have tons of those micro brittle stars in my tank and I could get some for you if you want. Getting them to you might be a problem though. My weekends are booked up for probably a month.

[Kalied20]

I got a Bali Star for my 24 gallon nano and it lasted about 9 months. I am looking for a Linckia Multiflora Star for my 90 now. I did a little research and they are the best ones for survival rate in captivity. I got two serpent stars and a meduim size brittle in my 90 gallon now. they are great cleaners. I would only recommend that you stay away from the green brittles. Some have been known to eat fish.

If you really want a star I would look for a small or medium size brittle. You could keep them in the nano for a while then trade or sell back when they get too big.

[RevRoy]

I may end up not getting any. I am just thinking out loud. If I do I realy like the red balis

[Fanof49ASU]

I've had two bali's, and one disappeared after 4-5 months, and the other one was mysteriously 'torn up'......never figured out what happened to that one.

I have a serpent star that is feeding and growing really well. When I shut the pumps down, it comes to the glass for food.

[rcmike]

A lot of times they look like that when they are dying. They kind of fall apart while they are still alive. When they get to that point it is too late to save them.

[anthony34]

Yep they are hit or mis, I had mine for about 3years or so but when thru about 8 before I found the one that would last, I finally lost it when I change from my 75 to 90g was bullet proof in my 75 but just did not like the tank change, have yet to find another that was long lasting like that.

[Pickupman66]

Mike. Maybe sometime I can get some from ya? maybe on a weekday?

[rcmike]

Problem is I live in Dickson and never know what time I will get home. I would be glad to give you some though. In a few weeks I should have a little more free time. The ones I have are probably 2"-3" across and hang out in the rocks with their legs sticking out all the time. I have had a population explosion and they are everywhere.