Sand sifting starfish: Inevitable starvation?

[reefkprZ]

Very few people, novices as well as experienced hobbyists, have been able to keep a school of them for sufficient length of time. Most people find that they start to kill each other off until you are left with one or two.

too true, in smaller aquaria. I have witness successful schools in EX-large tanks (700-1400g) but usually the numbers dwindle in smaller tanks like my 65g started with 5 after 4-5 months I am down to 4. hopefully they stay at 4 but they are really aggressive towards eachother and I think tank limitations may play a signifigant role in that.

 

[JLAudio]

Research before buying.

Thanks for advice. As my post states a mistake was made and minimal research was made previous to purchase and the research was unfourtantly from a source that had something to gain (seller).

Now a solution. Does anyone have or know of a tank that would give this animal a fair shot at life? He is free for anyone who as a large enough sand bed to keep him fed. Please let me know

 

[Awibrandy]

J, I have had my sand sifting star in my tank for a little over a year now. When it was first introduced in to the tank the sand was brand new ESV. It is still alive, it is constantly on the move just below the sand surface. I'm not so sure on the "they eat asterina(spelling) stars as my tank has recently had an asterina explosion. I wish it would eat them...

 

[Reef Mongoose]

I have three sand sifting stars in a 90 with a 4"SB for about a year now, no problems

 

[JLAudio]

The tank he's in is a 54 corner, with a lot of rock, so definitly not ideal for an animal always on the go like him, and not near enough surface for him to feed off.

 

[Deanos]

Thanks for advice. As my post states a mistake was made and minimal research was made previous to purchase and the research was unfourtantly from a source that had something to gain (seller).

Sorry, but the advice wasn't for you. You already made the mistake and admitted it. It's for those reading this thread and those who will read this thread in the future.

 

[NYreefNoob]

sooooooo i shouldnt have a starfish. or should i just get a harlinqiun shrimp ? and let him have it for dinner

 

[JLAudio]

Sorry, but the advice wasn't for you. You already made the mistake and admitted it. It's for those reading this thread and those who will read this thread in the future.

Totally understandable, and I would respond the same way, now I just want to know what to do with it, and Id rather not got the harlequin route. I feel like I owe this animal a shot and because I purchased him for the intent of sand sifting and not food, Id like to find him a large aquarium with plenty of sand