ophiura . . . help!

mbrands

mbrands

Member
My cc star was in the top left corner of my tank (55) today. Its a nice spot between a powerhead and skimmer where the puffer (Hawaiian spotted) won't bother him. I went to feed him and noticed a white sort of spot or patch near his body, but on one of his arms.
I just tested tonight:
80 degrees
1.026 (I usually try to keep it near 1.025)
8.2 pH
0 ammonia
0 nitrite
0 nitrate
I did upgrade my lighting on Wednesday, but the star hides a lot in the rockwork and I haven'd had the new lights on for more than about 3 hours/day.
Attached is the best picture I could come up with. The spot almost glows under the actinic lights alone.
Does this look like any type of disease or is it more likely that the puffer has finally started nipping at him?
Thank you!!
 
socer03dud

socer03dud

Member
i've noticed that on my chocolate chip star, I was going to put a post up but i noticed yours... I'll try to get some pics
 
mbrands

mbrands

Member
I know! I put up water parameters, everything about the tank and even pictures under 2 different lighting!

Maybe she has a life outside of swf.com! :scared:
 
K

ky reefer

Guest
for slinity it is deal to have it at 1.023 but yours should be fine mabey try a water change to get that down im not sure if that is the pproblem though
 
mbrands

mbrands

Member
Its fine where it is, I just wanted to post it so no one would have to ask. Thanks for trying help though.
 
knots

knots

Member
She must not be the moderator on duty this weekend.:nope: How dare her. :help: this person now!! Well I tried.
 
molamola

molamola

Member
Ophiura, I'm certain, will be around Monday morning. I would think the puffer is the likely cause because your parameters look super...one question though, do you only use filtered water in your tank?
 
mbrands

mbrands

Member
Yes, I buy RO/DI water from one of those fill-up stations outside the local grocery store. When I originally filled the tank I made the mistake of using treated tap water, but that was months ago. Every water change since (10% weekly) has been RO/DI.
Thank you for your help!!
 
scubadoo

scubadoo

Active Member
Puffers are oppurtune eaters and will eat inverts including stars. The risk is pretty good that the puffer may one day eat the star. Also, it could be the signs of disease on the star. I would think the puffer would have finished it off, so I am leaning towards disease. JMO
How big is the puffer?
 
mbrands

mbrands

Member
He is small. . . only 3-4". The Hawaiian spotted isn't supposed to get more than 5", which is why I chose him for my 55.
I'm currently setting up a new home for the star and the puffer is getting traded back to the LFS for some credit towards corals. I just wanted to know if it was in fact the puffer, or if I needed to do something to medicate the star.
Thanks!!
 
scubadoo

scubadoo

Active Member
If the puffer is a small blue spot the the CCS could be diseased. [Edit: Link violation]
Type is chocolate chip starfish disease in the seach line and you will find a bunch of info...if you can't wait for O.
Good info site to vist with faq's too.
 
molamola

molamola

Member
Are there any other inverts in the tank? Also, is your water coming from one of those watermill things? Sometimes, they are not maintained and the quality of the water can be kind of problematic. If you get a chance, you might test for phosphates and copper, but waiting for Ophiura tomorrow is probably your best bet. She's full of good advice.
 
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