Sand Sifting Star

[row]

I was looking at purchasing a sand sifting star but had a couple of questions. Do they need a large tank? I have a 55 gallon with 3-4 inches of sand. I also read that they like to eat pieces of shrimp, fish, and starfish, does that mean that it will try and eat my fish or shrimp? Thanks

 

[mace]

I have 2 sand stars in my tank (55g) with no problem with them.

 

[row]

I have read that they can reach up to 12". Is this a normal size, or will they stay small.

 

[alohami]

Sand sifting stars are not recommended for a home aquarium. It does not take very long for them to eat the beneficial creatures out of your sand and they will starve and melt away. I have seen them in a LFS and most were literally melting away already.

 

[row]

Thanks for the info. Does anyone have any suggestions on fish or inverts that can help keep my sand bed clean? Thanks

 

[kroch3rd]

snails keep keep the sand bed clean, not sure on the spelling naussurus, they sell them here, look under inverts

 

[gmidd]

Originally Posted by ROW
Thanks for the info. Does anyone have any suggestions on fish or inverts that can help keep my sand bed clean? Thanks
Nassarius Snails are great for the sand bed. Avoid Sand Sifting Starfish, most hobbiest don't recommend them period.