Blue Linkia-Reef Safe??

[fishr]

This will defenatly be farther down the road, but I have always been fond of the Blue Linkia Star and its gorgious blueish brillence it adds to the aquriaum.

So I wanted to know if I'm running a 55 gal will a B. Linkia Star outgrow my tank and if it is reef safe?

Thx,
fishr

 

[gcvt]

They are reef safe and can work in a 55g.

A word of caution however - they require pristine water conditions and don't cope well with even subtle changes in water chemistry. So, in a 'smallish' tank like a 55g, you'd really have to keep on top of your water quality for the star to do well.

You're right though; they are beautiful and very interesting to watch.

EDIT: They also have special acclimation and handling requirements.

 

[JustPhish]

I've seen some pretty big linckias come through here (10+ inches across) but I am sure it would take a really long time to get that big.

Like the previous poster said, they are very sensitive to sudden changes in water quality so it will more than likely need a lengthy and careful acclimation. That being said, I've also gotten them in dry hitch-hiking with live rock. :::shrugs:::

HTH

 

[fishr]

LFS says no..

I just talked to my LFS and they said linkias arent reef safe? said they may eat stony polyps or polyps in general and mushrooms,,is that true?

 

[Pisces]

According to this new book I'm reading, the blue Linckia can grow to 12 inches and feeds mainly on detritus, organic matter, microscopic invertebrates and microalgae. It does very well in a mature reef tank once it's acclimatized with care and patience.

Sounds like the LFS is wrong...imagine that!