Sea Star questions

[becky_e]

I'm looking at getting an orange sea star after I get my tank going. Right now it's 45 gallons and cycling. It's got a DSB and base rock at the moment. I will be getting LR after the tank is cycled.

For my questions:

When should I add a sea star? When I add my invertebrates (cleaning crew package?) My fish? After so many months?

What I've read says they need plenty of LR to crawl on. How much is plenty? I'm getting a 30 lb. piece of LR from someone and we're thinking of buying an additional 30-60 pounds after the tank cycles.

We currently have nothing alive in the tank and it's been cycling for 3 weeks.

[mogurnda]

The sea star you're describing sounds like a linckia, or maybe a fromia. Those need very well-established and stable systems. I would wait several months after the tank has cycled, with the other livestock added and the system stabilized before putting the star in.

[OrionGirl]

Agreed. You'll also want to do some research on proper acclimation. Linkia's are very delicate, and sudden changes in water can result in damage to the legs--sometimes they can recover, but often times it kills them. Finding a good specimen is very important--you don't want one that has any visible damage or discoloration on the legs or central disk.

[benjen]

I'm pretty sure that this Echinaster is the one she's talking about:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=581

[becky_e]

Yep, honey! That's it! ;) Echinaster!

[becky_e]

The Echinaster is supposed to get 3 inches in diameter so I thought it might do well in a 45 gallon tank. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I was also thinking of getting the sea star from liveaquaria.com when the time comes, so I guess I won't be able to pick out the little guy.

I'll definitely wait to put him in last, then.