Search for a starfish

[wasabbi23]

Hey guys,
I'm just buying my first fish tank tomorrow and I'm going to be filling it with a few relatively small fish and some small crabs. All the fishes and crabs should'nt have a problem with each other as they are all different species and peaceful in behavior. However, I was looking to buy a starfish somewhere and the only ones i can find are either very expensive or eat small fish. If someone has a good site or knows a type of star fish that they could refer me to I would appreciate it.
Thanks
-Luke

 

[airforceb2]

Luke,
First off, welcome to the site...you will find A LOT of helpful information here.
As for your question, what size tank are you getting? Are you aware of the needed equipment and cycling process (that you have to wait before you stock your tank)?

 

[sw65galma]

Before you buy any fish...Look up cycling a tank..
Saltwater isn't like Freshwater.....Buy a tank and then a day or 2 later toss in fish...Even if you fishstore says you can...DON'T
I should take 2 weeks - 4 weeks before you add any fish. Yes I know it's a long time and tuff to wait...But if you don't have the patience...then don't even bother with this hobby..
The ocean wasn't made in a week and neither will your tank.
Don't add a star fish until your tank is about 6 months old!
You can get a Brittle star, (anything but a green brittle), Serpant Star, chololate chip star, red general star (the last two are as long as you don't have corals)
Good luck...do some research here first and ask any questions.

 

[ophiura]

THe type of star is determined by tank size, age, water parameters and other inhabitants. Seastars are VERY SENSITIVE to water quality problems so PLEASE do not add one for at least 6 months and do a lot of research into their needs. It will save you $$, and probably save the life of your starfish. THe same is true of many other saltwater animals.
You may want to give some background on the tank size, filtration, etc and I am sure you'll get lots of feedback to save you time, money and frustration!

 

[sw65galma]

Originally Posted by ophiura
THe type of star is determined by tank size, age, water parameters and other inhabitants. Seastars are VERY SENSITIVE to water quality problems so PLEASE do not add one for at least 6 months and do a lot of research into their needs. It will save you $$, and probably save the life of your starfish. THe same is true of many other saltwater animals.
You may want to give some background on the tank size, filtration, etc and I am sure you'll get lots of feedback to save you time, money and frustration!
hah Beat ya

 

[wasabbi23]

Hello all,
Thanks for the helpful tips. I didn't realise you had to wait 6 months before it's wise to put a starfish in your tank. As of right now I don't have a tank but I'm going out to buy one in a few minutes. When I get the tank I'll post the tank information and maybe get some more useful tips
P.S.
When I said "I'm going to be filling it with a few relatively small fish and some small crabs" I didn't mean right away I realise you have to wait a few days and run various tests on the tank and water but thanks for the concern.
-Luke

 

[celacanthr]

Originally Posted by wasabbi23
When I said "I'm going to be filling it with a few relatively small fish and some small crabs" I didn't mean right away I realise you have to wait a few days and run various tests
you shouldnt add anything! except for the equipment, live rock, and sand for at least a month or until after your ammonia rises then falls to 0, then your nitrite rises and falls to 0, and your nitrate begins to rise.

 

[prelag]

Generally, you should wait 6 weeks or so for your tank to cycle not a "few" days.
Also, please dont cycle your tank with damsels. Use live rock or live sand instand.

 

[keonia]

Yes, Do not cycle with Damsels - some LFS will recommend it and its inexpensive BUT its torture to put that damsel through the changing water conditions during the cycle.
As you check out the posts on this site about what is needed in starting a salt water tank, investigate the costs, equipment AND look at the types of fish you are interested in getting. If there is a particular type of fish you are wanting make sure the tank you buy is able to house that fish when the fish is grown to it's maximum size. Also, investigate the compatibility of the fishes you are wanting.
1st step is to look at the fishes you really want because this will guide you on the size of the tank you get. Many people buy a small tank and later upgrade to a larger one. So IMO the first thing is to consider - just consider the types of fishes you possibly want to stock after your tank is cycled.
2nd think about the type of tank you want. Do you want Live rocks? or live rocks and sand? of just fish only.
2a - consider costs and filtration system for the tank.
3rd. get your tank and supplies (thermometer/heater, filtration, Hydrometer/refractometer, salt, powerhead, lab test kit to test ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, pH), and start cycling your tank with a raw piece of shrimp.
Good luck - lots of good information on this message board!!