Sand Sifting stars

Ok, I have been reading mixed information on these stars and want to ask the experts on here. I first heard about these stars at a pet shop, the guy told me they are good stirrers, keep the sand sifting. He told me they are in the "cleaner" category and eat detritus.

Lately, I came across some info on a web site indicating these critters dangerous to live sand beds. I read that these stars will eat the beneficial bacteria and clean the hell out of my sand, 0 bacteria.

I want to clarify this before buying it.

Thanks all in advance!

 

i have a sand sifter star and everything in my tank is doing fine. that tigertail you have is probably a better cleaner. my sand sifter does do a good job of sifting the top of the sand. it doesnt get much deeper than maybe a quarter of an inch.

 

ya mine used to go father but after a few months when he burries himself i can still see him lol...hes getting old and just lost part of an arm lol...but they r cool!

 

Ya, I've heard that sea cucumber are better cleaners than the sand sifting star and will not harm my beneficial bacteria. I dont have much space for the guy but enough for him to bury himself in, so I'll try him out and see how he does.

 

I don't think a 30 gallon is big enough. My understanding is most of them starve to death and disintegrate (ie..lose arms...) Very large tanks are recommended for the best survival chances.

I stir my sand every week or so (I switch, one side one week, the other side the next) That keeps it relatively clean and full of critters.

 

If you have a smaller tank or no refugium, then it might be a good idea once every couple of months to buy a bottle of copepods to dump into the tank this would also work if your system is recently set up (I think)

 

I have copepods running around the glass. Are the copepods beneficial? I really haven't read up on them and just learned about them yesterday. I always wondered what those little white things running around my glass were.

 

I agree with Birdlady. Not only will they starve in a small tank but they will wipe out your benificial worms and fauna. Im not sure about the bacteria but im sure they will wreak havok with your worms and such. If you want a starfish try a small orange linkia star. They boogie all around your tank and are fun to watch. 30 gallons should be plenty for one. For your sand stiring get some of those white nassarous snails that pop out when you feed your fish. They will amaze your freinds when they pop up. Im not sure of the spelling on those ...anyone? Nasarious?

Alos you could get a green brittlestar. They will eat your snails and whatever they can catch if you dont keep them fed. I have one really huge one that Ive had for over 1 year. People will say dont get one they will eat your fish and shrimp and snails. I had one eat snails and also lost a green hawian shrimp until I started target feding them twice a week. Since then they are leaving everything else alone. I have a mithrix crab, Sally lightdoot crab, Coral banded shrimpsnd a Fire shrimp that have been safe for over a year with 2 green brittlestars in my tanks.

Good luck
Jay

 

Yes, those are good things and they are a big part of the sand sifting star's diet. Yes, it will eat leftover food as well, but it will eat those copepods.

Anne

 

I can replenish the tank of those little critters, I have tons though, all over my glass. The sand star has been moving around, digs himself, stays there for a while, then moves agains, digs, then moves. He even seems to dig himself in the craziest spots where there is a lot of live rock, pretty neat little guy.

Also, I did read up on the Linckias and am definetly getting one of those guys as they fit in the cleaner family of sea creatures. But, I am not ready for one yet, since they are somewhat delicate. Need a whole range of test kits to keep him healthy. I actually like the blue linckia, which I have heard is more difficult than the orange.