Invert help!

Ok so what are some pros and cons to a sea star? Also curious about urchins? I think they are both cool but haven't seen too many people with them in their tanks, I was wondering why? Also on the topis of my last post about snails, I've got a lot of good info, but what about the spiny star astrea? as opposed to the plain ol' astrea? Any difference as far as functionality or health? Lastly pros and cons to scallops?

Thanks

 

Most inverts need good water quality. I have a black longspine urchin and they also need good consistent water quality. Plus most urchins are really not reef safe, it is up to each one. Mine has never bothered anything yet. Thats all I have for you.

 

urchins will knock things over, since they can fit into smaller spaces then expand once they gotten in those spaces, then they knock rock, coral and other stuff over. I had a med spined black urchin and he never knocked over anything. A lot of people have said theirs collects things from around their tanks and tote then on their backs they'll pick up a shroom and a shell from a dead snail and carry it around the tank, crazy as far as them eating corals, mine never did. he was too busy under the rocks, grazing

 

The tux I used to have would carry the molt from my sally foot crab. Someone on here had a pix of one carrying a thermometer. To funny.

 

urchins i am found of them. great little scavenger does the work of 10 turbos. get a short spined one not a long one as the longs are bulky.

sea stars are scavengers that need good water quality. i would recommend feeding them once a week.linkia are the best looking, serpents look cool but you never sea them they live in the rockwork.

 

I have 3 or 4 astrenia stars
they came on some rock they dont really do much cause they are so small
but I know some people like the bigger starfish but not much room in a 14 gallon
for an urchin or a large starfish

 

any thoughts on scallops? Or a clam? As far as difficulty to keep and compatability with various fish/inverts?

Thanks

-Ben

 

I know with clams you have to have perfect water conditions all the time. Thats why I dont have one yet. Soon, very soon.

 

Scallops are very difficult to keep long-term because of their food requirements. You might be able to keep one if you experimented long enough with food particle types and sizes, but be prepared for a lot of work and research if you choose to try it.

The "Spiny Star Astraea" Astralium phoebium is a turbinid and algae eater like the "plain ol' Astraea" Lithopoma americana but they are usually associated with sand and sea grass, and seem to graze more on the epiphytic life growing on the grass than the grass itself. If you had enough algae growing in your tank, either would probably survive OK.

Cheers,



Don