Sick Brittle Sea Star

[sltwtrfan]

A few days ago I purchased a Brittle Star and today I noticed his top side was slightly torn open. After coming home from class this evening, his whole top side is almost all the way ripped open... Could this sea star have been sick from the get go or did the move make him stressed out? I'm pissed at my LFS, they don't have the best water and filtration system I'm sure!!! :help:

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Sltwtrfan
A few days ago I purchased a Brittle Star and today I noticed his top side was slightly torn open. After coming home from class this evening, his whole top side is almost all the way ripped open... Could this sea star have been sick from the get go or did the move make him stressed out? I'm pissed at my LFS, they don't have the best water and filtration system I'm sure!!! :help:
What are your water parameters for Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph, SG, and temp? How did you accimate him? Did you notice anything wrong with him at the store?

 

[sltwtrfan]

sg - 1.024
ammonia - 0
nitrite - 0
nitrate - 0
pH - 8.2
temp - 78
I drip acclimated him. I'm not sure how the lady at the fish store pulled him out of the tank, i was looking at the other things she had (stupid on my part).

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Sltwtrfan
sg - 1.024
ammonia - 0
nitrite - 0
nitrate - 0
pH - 8.2
temp - 78
I drip acclimated him. I'm not sure how the lady at the fish store pulled him out of the tank, i was looking at the other things she had (stupid on my part).
The damage that you are describing sounds to me like acclimation shock. Your SG is low, it should be 1.026. If you drip acclimated him for 4-5 hrs then it could very well be something they did at the lfs. There isn't much you can do for him at this point but hope for the best. You may want to very slowly bump your SG up a little higher.

 

[sltwtrfan]

well thank you for your help. poor sea star. gee this hobby is frustrating sometimes.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Sltwtrfan
well thank you for your help. poor sea star. gee this hobby is frustrating sometimes.
It can be very frustrating at first. Be patient, I promise it gets easier :happyfish

 

[sltwtrfan]

I'm sure i'm sure... again. thank you for your input.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Sltwtrfan
I'm sure i'm sure... again. thank you for your input.
You are very welcome. Anytime you have questions, feel free to ask

 

[sltwtrfan]

thanks. since you are here. I have a 29 gallon aquarium. I just ordered some Kalkwasser mix so i can dose my thank. do you recommend a certain amount or just until i reach the desired calcium levels?

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Sltwtrfan
thanks. since you are here. I have a 29 gallon aquarium. I just ordered some Kalkwasser mix so i can dose my thank. do you recommend a certain amount or just until i reach the desired calcium levels?
I believe just until you reach the desired levels, but I am not 100% certain on that. Wait for someone else or ask in the reef section. Sorry, reef levels I do not know much about.

 

[lion_crazz]

Originally Posted by Sltwtrfan
thanks. since you are here. I have a 29 gallon aquarium. I just ordered some Kalkwasser mix so i can dose my thank. do you recommend a certain amount or just until i reach the desired calcium levels?
You only want to dose until you reach the desired calcium level of 400-450 ppm.
Also be sure to be checking your alkalinity levels while you are dosing your calcium however.