Keeping star fish

[marton]

Hello,

I have just had a try at setting up a little marine tank, its just going to have to clown fish with no coral or live rock.

Its about a 32ltr tank with under gravel filter with calcium rock ontop of it.

It runs just a normal fluro light but is surprisingly bright, my question is will i be able to keep a small star fish in the tank or not?

Do star fish need special light?

any help will be great!

Cheers

 

[Gealcath]

Starfish dont need any special light or anything, the only problem comes from improper acclimation (Most starfish can tolorate a wide range of conditions, but sudden changes effect them badly) or exposure to air (If you do get one, make sure it is bagged underwater and dont expose it to air, because if it inhales any air it will make air bubbles in its Hydrovascular system which will then cause that section to start decaying).


Also, helps to know what kind of starfish you where thinking about, since most average around 5-6" in diameter, with some getting up to 10-12" in diameter.

 

[marton]

Thanks for the answer! My local fish store has star fish that's about the size of a medium coin, guess they are just infants or somthing.

Ok well i might ask to get one this weekend hope he finds his new home happy!

 

[mogurnda]

In a tank that size, there are only a few species that will do well. Small, scavenging stars, like asterina or brittle stars will probably do OK. Brightly colored stars, like linckia and fromia, ship badly, and will need a much bigger thank to forage in.