sea cucumber safe?

[margi26]

Hey, I have a 75 hex with 3 Reidi. My LFS suggested a sea cucumber to sift my sand bed. Sounded like a good idea until I read about how they can release toxins if they die...or if they feel like it?! Anyone know for sure if they are safe for seahorses in particular? Any other ideas for sand sifting?

[sarahorca]

I don't know for the sea cucumber but for your sand bed you could have a sand sifting seastar or some conch and nassarius snails (that's what I have).

[namxas]

as for cukes, genus Holothuria, such as the tiger-tail are fine, but they do get large.

one thing to consider is both cukes and sand-sifter stars will deplete your sandbed of beneficial organisms. as mentioned, i'd recommend Nassarius (about 6 of them), Ceriths (maybe a dozen), and a small conch such as the fighting conch.

[margi26]

Thanks! I will definitely get some more of those Nassarius...I have 2 in there now.