Orange Linkia Problem!!!!

J

jupoc911

Guest
What is going on with this guy? He has been in the tank for over 6 months. 55 gallon with 80lbs of live rock. Look at his top leg. He orange skin looks as if it is scraped off. Did someone attack him? Will he be ok?

 
J

jupoc911

Guest
actually yea, i have noticed him by the heater. I just noticed his leg right next to it is like that too.
 
ophiura

ophiura

Active Member
I need to know specific water parameters, especially specific gravity, pH, nitrates, and alkalinity. Any recent water changes, or changes to the tank (eg temp spike?).
FWIW, IMO the tank is marginal for keeping one of these long term, and it is at the time frame now when starvation would be a possible problem. Most will not take to spot feeding....could be a potential problem in this case. They effectively start to "melt" and arms fall off.
 
J

jupoc911

Guest
water parameters are actually very good.
The only test kits I have are:
Nitrate- less than 5
Ammonia- 0
Nitrite- 0
Calcium- 450
Temp- 79-80
SG- 1.025
Tank setup up for 14 months
80lbs live rock
starfish has been in since febuary
 
J

jupoc911

Guest
I don't have an alk test with me but i can assume that since all other water parameters are well and all of my coral is thriving that alk is not a problem. I did a water change this morning after i saw him like that. I only changed 5 gallons, however i usually due 10-12 gallons every 3-4 weeks. Last water before today was 2 weeks ago.
 
ophiura

ophiura

Active Member
Well, parameters seem to be in order. My primary concern at this time would be starvation...unfortunately the fate of most of these stars in the hobby
They tend to develop whitish patches and slowly melt. The most that can be done is too keep tank parameters as ideal as possible. Have you ever tried spot feeding it anything? Might be worth a shot...I'd try just about anything at this point.
 
J

jupoc911

Guest
ive tried algea sheets and he does not seem to eat any of it? Any chance he could have injured himslef going through the rocks in my tank and this is not starvatiopn? Should i take me out or just let him be?
 
ophiura

ophiura

Active Member
It is very unlikely that it just injured itself. Possible I suppose. We'll try and stay positive here. The best thing to do to give it any chance at recovery - if it is just some injury - would be to let it stay there and keep water parameters ideal.
 
lionpaw38

lionpaw38

Member
I've had one for two months and one tip of his leg did the same thing. He seems ok and I thought maybe his leg got into the power filter but it's also possible it's from me lowering the salinity of the tanka little to fast after it was a little to high. I'm hoping for the best!
 
mudplayerx

mudplayerx

Active Member
The starfish is probably suffering declining health due to starvation. I believe an orange linkia needs a much larger tank than a 55 gallon to get sufficient microalgae to eat.... even worse if you clean the sides/back of the tank.
 
mobikobeyob

mobikobeyob

Member
I have kept a blue linkia in my 36g for more than a year now, and I say you should feed him. try some Cyclops in the water column. mine loves it, and loves grazing for it on the rocks. either starvation, or a temp swing would cause it to come apart like that. I constantly monitor mine and if I see a patch I up the Cyclops until he is better, that usually takes a couple weeks or so.
Mobi
 
ophiura

ophiura

Active Member
It is worth trying, but few Linckia actually take to spot feeding. I do recommend trying it though - just not a sure bet. Depends on the individual. Most Linckia in that size tank would die I am afraid.
 
J

jupoc911

Guest
well the wounds seem to be healing somewhat today. however he does look a little skinnier than usual. hopefully it is just stress. I will keep an update.
 
J

jupoc911

Guest
Well today all wounds are healing. One is completly healed up. However he does look very skinny.
 
J

jupoc911

Guest
looks as if he is going to make it!!!! Wounds are healed and his arms are looking fat and round!!!!
 
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