starfish and water changes

[reefer2011]

I've had a starfish in my tank for one week. I did my usual 10% water change the other day and the next day I noticed that it looked like the "skin" was falling of the arms of my starfish. All other water parameters are within range so I can only assume that the water change sent my starfish into shock. It appears to be recovering, but now I'm wondering how I'm supposed to do my water changes without sending my starfish into shock. Will a 5% water change have enough of an effect on controlling nitrates? It's a 46 bow.

 

[James983]

Starfish are extremely sensitive and if your tank is not ready or if you water is not perfect they will let you know.

I don't believe a 5 gal. water change could have shocked it unless you were blasting the water right on the starfish and the water levels/temp was way off.

 

[MatthewScars]

10% is nothing.

How old is the tank? Starfish normally need established tanks for food reasons. Since the starfish is only a week old, maybe the acclimation didnt go right and its stressed and still adjusting.

What kind of starfish?

 

[tosiek]

How close is the salinity, temp, PH to your tank water?

And although 5-10% is nothing, your feeding it in by hose and its not being evenly distributed throughout the whole water volume. Think of it like a cold breeze coming out of nowhere on a hot summer day.

Something to think about. I had certain things get pissed when doing water changes just because of the way the PH's were blowing.

 

[reefer2011]

Think of it like a cold breeze coming out of nowhere on a hot summer day.

Good point. I think you just hit the nail on the head. I don't believe it was the acclimation because it's been in my tank a week and it was perfectly fine. It's a linckia starfish and my tank is close to a year. I specifically waited just to make sure it would have a sufficient food source. I'm pretty sure it was the water change.

Thanks for your input.

 

[MatthewScars]

Good point. I think you just hit the nail on the head. I don't believe it was the acclimation because it's been in my tank a week and it was perfectly fine. It's a linckia starfish and my tank is close to a year. I specifically waited just to make sure it would have a sufficient food source. I'm pretty sure it was the water change.

Thanks for your input.

So you changed 4.6g of water in the 46g tank? Sure, must have been the water change. Good luck with the Linkia, they are really awesome.

 

[MatthewScars]

Also, Linkias can be affected by a parasite that gets into their 'skin' and slowly kills them. You might want to check for that aswell.

There are documents about it on google.

 

[reefer2011]

Yes, I changed 4 1/2 gallons. How would I know if it had a parasite?

 

[MatthewScars]

Yes, I changed 4 1/2 gallons. How would I know if it had a parasite?

google "linkia parasite". There is some good information on Reef Central.

 

[reefer2011]

Pretty sure it's not a parasite. From what I read, they will start to dissolve in reaction to high nitrate levels or sudden change in ph or salinity. Nitrates are very low, so it must be the water change. I don't think it's going to pull through. Do you think I should remove it from the tank? Would it pollute the tank if I left it in there and it died? I don't have a refugium to put it in.

 

[cowfish]

If you've only had the star for a week, it's quite possible that it was in poor health or starving before you purchased it. I have an orange linkia in my 75g reef and do weekly water changes of around 20%. My alkalinity fluctuates as do other elements. Starfish is doing just fine; I've had him for about 6 months now.