Sand Sifting (Non Fish)

Hi Guys,

I know that sand sifters have been discussed before on the board but I am looking for one that will sift the sand and not add a huge bio-load. I have tons of dwarf ceriths and several nassarius snails, but nothing turns my sand quite like I would like. My diamond goby did a great job but I really don't want to add another fish. Is there something else out there that would do the job for me? My signature is pretty current (plus or minus a few snails and crabs). My tank is about 8 months old with about a 3 inch sand bed. Thanks in advance for any direction!!!!

Regards,
Ivy

 

sand sifting starfish. ive got one , and it does a great job of moving through the tank. and cool to watch when it moves and submerges

 

With a Blue Tang in just a 55 your already overdoing it.
I agree with divott, sand sifting star.

 

+1 on the brittlestar starfish. Or you could add more nassarius snails - they typically do a good job keeping the sand clean.

 

not sure but your +1 is on the starfish mentioned above....

Sand sifting star and brittle are two different star fish... FYI

 

nassarius snails are meateaters... they may turn the sand a little bit, but they're not cleaning it. The FL Ceriths are superior at this task. They turn and eat the crap.

Also, from what I can tell, my nassarius snails do burrow, but they don't move around under the sand. My FL ceriths actually travel under ground doing a superior job of moving the substrate.

How do I know? A few of my snails have some macro algae on their back - so I can see where they go through the substrate.

IMO, nassarius snails are terrible at sifting the substrate. My dwarf and FL ceriths do this for me.

 

I know that I am pushing it with the tang, but it is small and that is why I said I didn't want to add a fish.

How long have you had you sand sifting star Divott? how deep is your sandbed? I am worried that it will go through mine quickly and starve. Do you supplement feeding? Also, does it do a good job on top of your sandbed or does it stay buried most of the time? Thanks!!!

Regards,
Ivy

 

I agree with you Peredhil. Most of my dwarf ceriths stay on top of the sand or rocks. I rarely see my Florida ceriths, so I am not really sure how many I have anymore. The same goes for my nassarius. I don't think that my hermits have gotten them but who knows. Is it possible to need more dwarfs? I feel like my sand is littered with them

 

my sand sifting star does a great job

 

Thanks!!!