Sea Stars

[VoodooChild]

I was curious as to how well any type of star would do in a fowlr tank. Do they prefer a well established tank, or with the proper food can they prosper right off the bat? Also, which species is generally the hardiest? Thanks alot. I was thinking of something along the lines of a marbled star or a burgundy linkia star.

[OrionGirl]

Most star fish will need to be fed, in addition to scavenging leftovers, in all tanks. Linkia are very sensitive, and not for the beginner. Check the max size--some kinds get way to big for the average home aquarium. Serpents and brittles are good choices, and tend to be fairly hardy if acclimated properly. The biggest killer IME is inadequate acclimation, which usually results in loss of limbs and frequently death. They will do fine in FOWLR as long as none of the fish pick on them (ie, can't have one with a trigger--it will constantly be losing arms).

[VoodooChild]

Thanks for the reply. Are easy are Red Sea Stars (Fromia milleporella) to take care off?

[OrionGirl]

Should be okay, but you will definitely need to supplement feedings. Since stars can be easily damaged in transport, I'd ask the store to hold it for you for a minimum of 5 days, just to make sure. Take care in acclimating it to your conditions, especially if they are much different from the stores. Make sure your tank has completed it's cycle before adding the inverts--they tend to react poorly to nitrites and high nitrates.

[VoodooChild]

Thanks so much for your help. It's cycling right now, and I'll add Gulf View Rock (30lbs) and let that sit for another two weeks, and then start working stuff in. Thanks again.

[Boogiechillin]

Fromia spp stars are a lot like Linkia spp stars in terms of hardiness...they collapse pretty easily. I would wait a good couple of months before I added a star from either genus. If you want something soon, consider a brittle or serpent star once your tank is stable.

[VoodooChild]

They seem to get pretty friggin' huge. Is a 14" star too much in a 30? And also, will something that big be picked on by shrimp or even pick on something else?

[Unome]

Originally posted by VoodooChild
They seem to get pretty friggin' huge. Is a 14" star too much in a 30? Let me ask you this, "Would you like living in your bathroom or kitchen 24/7?" If answer is no, then you've answered your own question.

[VoodooChild]

Can you combine the two? Ok, good enough for me. I'll let'er establish for a few months and then throw in a red.