detritus eaters

[jonthefb]

Okay, i am lookign for a good detritus eater. Teh only problem is that i purchased some mini-stars from indo pacific sea farms, and i only purchased six. They state that the mini stars will reproduce like crazy in a tank, but i only got six, and if i get a detritus eater, i dont wnat them to chow these little guys. Any suggestions???? all of my lfs's seem to be stumped by my question. Thanks in advance,
jon

 

[fshhub]

detrivores, don't generally eat stars, detritus is crap and leftovers, there are some species that eat both, but most do not, dets consist of snails, bristle worms, cukes, and some crabs
i suppose some may be a potential problem, but most IMO would not be
is there a particular detritus eater you are refering to??

 

[jonthefb]

well i was thinking of a sand-sifting star or cuke but the mini stars are only about 1/4 to 1/2 inc long, and i dont know if they would be sucked outta the sand by the stars and cukes.
Im really at a loss here.

 

[fshhub]

the sand sifting star would definitely be a potential problem, but the cucumbers i am ot sure about, both are actualy on=mnivores, which means, they will eat a variety of foods, including meats
in our tank, we have snails, conchs, and teh detrivore kit, which inludes mysid shrimp, snails, pods and micro and mini brittle stars, no other sand sifters really needed(IMO), maybe some crabs if you like
other than that, if you have a deeepsand bed, you really do not want sand sifters and stirrers anyhow
HTH