Red Bali Star Fish

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clown-lover

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May 26, 2007
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Fargo, ND
Ok, so the LPS has Fromia milleporella available and I have been looking at one for a while.. I have done some reading and it states that they are reef safe.. Does anyone know any more than the following about them?

Care Level:8 (1 Difficult - 10 Easy)
Range:Indo-Pacific
Max. Size:6 in.
Minimum Aquarium Size:10 Gallons

Feeding:The Red Fromia starfish eats small organisms, sponges, and algae found within the aquarium. It should be placed in an aquarium containing live rock as a natural food source.

Behavior:The Fromia milleporella or Red Fromia starfish is a peaceful species.

Reef Compatibility:The Red Fromia starfish is reef compatible.Water

Parameters:
Salinity: 1.023-1.025
pH: 8.1-8.4
Temperature: 74°-79°F

Additional Information:The Red Fromia starfish searches around the aquarium looking for patches of algae and small micro organisms to consume. The Fromia milleporella or Red Fromia starfish does best in an aquarium that has live rock as a natural food provider. Starfish are very sensitive animals that do not react well to small or sudden changes in salinity, pH, and oxygen levels. Acclimation MUST be performed using a slow "drip" method over a couple hours to gradually ease your specimen to your aquariums water chemistry. Do not add the Red Fromia starfish to an aquarium that has been exposed to copper-based medications as they are lethal. Do not expose starfish to the air.
 

Max

It's me
Jan 26, 2004
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Mars
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Formia being semi specialised feeders are a bit difficult, It will eat algae, small critters, bits of scallop or mussel. I wouldn't go along with putting even a small mostly obligate feeder in a 10 though, "lion's share of it's diet should be algae." I'd only supplement it on occasion. They like all stars are very sensitive to nitrates and copper. You should also introduce it VERY slowly to your tank and use the drip method. Make sure that all of your parameters are under control and nitrates should be at 0 on any home test kit. Also see to it that the people at the lfs don't expose it to air when they bag it! Make sure you keep it out of the air on introduction.
cheers and happy reefing.
Max

Max
 

soccerkidbs

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Mar 9, 2007
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Medford
very sensitive just like all starfish. my tank came with 2 and one was already not doing well but the other was fine. i didnt acclimate the them for long enough and they melted away. they are really neat though just no sudden changes at all.
 
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