Housing A Starfish?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by Jake337, Jul 22, 2013.

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  1. Jake337

    Jake337 Astrea Snail

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    I would like to buy my first star fish (My experience with the reef is about a year) but hear that they are difficult to care for? I would like to buy a Blue Linckia but hear they tolerate to changes badly. What are your experiences with starfish? And is the blue Linckia reef safe?
     
    Jake337, Jul 22, 2013
    Jake337, Jul 22, 2013
    #1

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  2. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    Linckia and Sand-shifter are both really good for dying in reef tanks. Fromia are a bit hardier, as are brittle and serpents.

    I would look into fromia. My last Red Linckia lasted almost 2 years which is amazing, but still I dont think I'll ever try again.
     
    ingtar_shinowa, Jul 22, 2013
    ingtar_shinowa, Jul 22, 2013
    #2
  3. Scuba Ken

    Scuba Ken Ritteri Anemone

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    My sand sifter is easily 3.5 years old, and very active.
    I think I am a dirty sand keeper though, but it seems to keep him happy and fat.
     
    Scuba Ken, Jul 23, 2013
    Scuba Ken, Jul 23, 2013
    #3
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    IMHO, sea stars belong in the sea, as we know far too little about their specialized diets. The LFS will gladly sell you most any species as an algae grazer or detritivore, and while some may nibble on algae or leftover food, the majority are actually predators that feed mainly on a particular type of shellfish, coral, or invert, and sadly, most eventually starve in captivity.
     
    Mr. Bill, Jul 23, 2013
    Mr. Bill, Jul 23, 2013
    #4
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  5. civiccars2003

    civiccars2003 Great Blue Whale

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    I'd go with a fromia, best chance of survival. How big is your tank?
     
    civiccars2003, Jul 23, 2013
    civiccars2003, Jul 23, 2013
    #5
  6. Jake337

    Jake337 Astrea Snail

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    I have a 40 breeder. Are formias rare? I don't think I've ever seen one at the lfs before, or even heard of that type of starfish.
     
    Jake337, Jul 23, 2013
    Jake337, Jul 23, 2013
    #6

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  7. Greg@LionfishLair

    Greg@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

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    I have to agree with Mr. Bill here...most sea stars don't do well. They tend to take an awfully long time to slowly starve, so peeps think they're eating.

    Brittles and serpents do much better, and will live for years.
     
    Greg@LionfishLair, Jul 23, 2013
    Greg@LionfishLair, Jul 23, 2013
    #7
  8. sailorguy

    sailorguy Torch Coral

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    +1,If you would like to add an interesting invert a cleaner shrimp or urchin would be a better choice.Urchins can move things around however so if you add one make sure your rockwork is stable.They will also eat corailline algae.
     
    sailorguy, Jul 23, 2013
    sailorguy, Jul 23, 2013
    #8
  9. CBSurfrider

    CBSurfrider Millepora

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    I've had a red Sea Star for about a year now and it's doing fine; One of my favorite additions to my tank. Pin Cushion urchins are also pretty cool, but they do move stuff around as stated above.
     
    CBSurfrider, Jul 23, 2013
    CBSurfrider, Jul 23, 2013
    #9
  10. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Unfortunately, 1 year is far from a success story. If a star is receiving a fraction of it's dietary requirements, it can take 2 years or longer to finally succumb to starvation or malnutrition. Most can usually survive for several months on virtually nothing at all.

    What type of star? There are several species that have a red variant.
     
    Mr. Bill, Jul 23, 2013
    Mr. Bill, Jul 23, 2013
    #10
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