starfish

[lnknprkpl]

My wife and I just started a saltwater tank. We just upgraded to a 55 gal tank this weekend and we went out and got a Chocolate starfish and hes been in our tank for 2 days now and hasn't moved. He does curl up but other than that we are confused about his movement. Anyone know anything about these guys. Thanks.

 

[salty blues]

Originally Posted by lnknprkpl
http:///forum/post/3120684
My wife and I just started a saltwater tank. We just upgraded to a 55 gal tank this weekend and we went out and got a Chocolate starfish and hes been in our tank for 2 days now and hasn't moved. He does curl up but other than that we are confused about his movement. Anyone know anything about these guys. Thanks.
I am no expert, but it is my understanding that starfish need high quality water conditions to survive and thrive and should generally be placed only in well established tanks that have been set up and aged for quite a while. That being said, I hope you have good luck with your saltwater tank & starfish. Perhaps more knowledgeable folks on this forum than I may offer other advice.

 

[nuro]

what are the tank parameters? also how was he acclimated?

 

[lnknprkpl]

The tank has been up and running for about 3 months. We used the drip method to acclimate him to the tank. We found online that they are supposed to be for ''beginners'' so didn't think we'd have too much trouble with him. Not sure if what he is doing is normal behavior??

 

[nuro]

id test your levels.. drips acc's are good but if your levels are bad it wont help. from what youre describing id say the SF is not happy. typically theyll move about a bit and the curling of the limbs is a sign of bad water quality. HTH

 

[ophiura]

I agree with the above...what are your specific parameters, esp specific gravity, alk, calcium, ammonia and nitrate?
Chocolate chip stars are relatively hardy, but not easy. Also they are not reef safe and will eat things like snails...so if those are in your plans it is not a good choice

 

[lnknprkpl]

no nitrates no nitrites kh100 ph 7.6

 

[ophiura]

Your pH is definitely a concern and is quite low (was this reading after lights were on all day or first thing before lights go on...whichever it is, take a reading at the other time because the range is important). What is your specific gravity? ammonia? What sort of test kit do you use?

 

[lnknprkpl]

The lights have been on all day. The specific gravity is 1.021. I don't know what the ammonia is...my test kit is a Tetra, but that's all I know...it came with my saltwater setup when I first bought it (used). They are test strips, but ammonia isn't on them...

 

[lnknprkpl]

Also, if there is a problem with the water, etc, wouldn't I have problems with the rest of the livestock? (snail...had him long before I knew the above that you wrote about starfish, damsel, clarkii clown, hermit crab)

 

[ophiura]

Your specific gravity is fatally low for this animal.
It should be 1.025-1.026...no lower than 1.024. You should top off with saltwater to try and slowly raise it (doing it in one shot by adding salt is bad too). You can also try taking a gallon or so of water out and replacing it with sw of higher specific gravity, doing this every 6 hours or so.
But the damage may be done I definitely suggest getting params in order before adding anything else. Definitely the pH is also an issue.
By the way, this specific gravity is perfectly fine for fish...but definitely a stress on the star (somewhat on the hermits too but they may be more tolerant).

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by lnknprkpl
http:///forum/post/3120788
Also, if there is a problem with the water, etc, wouldn't I have problems with the rest of the livestock? (snail...had him long before I knew the above that you wrote about starfish, damsel, clarkii clown, hermit crab)
Fish and some snails are more forgiving. Stars are not. Slowly raise that SG.

 

[xcali1985]

Suggested Parameters for Starfish:
SG: 1.024
Ammo: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: <10
Copper: 0 EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
pH:8.2-8.4
kH: 8-10
Temp: 78-80
Lighting: N/A
I had those written down when I was researching starfish for my tank. Decided not to go with them for the whole invert problem and corals. Can't remember where i got the parameters from was months ago and cant find the articles online.

 

[lnknprkpl]

Thanks for your help...I will try to get that raised...any suggestions on how much salt to add to a gallon in order to raise it without doing any further damage?
As for the pH, how can I get that increased? I'll have to buy a new test kit since it sounds like this one isn't testing for everything (ammonia).

 

[lnknprkpl]

Also, I just noticed this morning that now my clown is acting lethargic...

 

[pastor b.]

I've had plenty of starfish in the past,and I must say that the chocolate chips are very hardy. However,if your PH is below 8.0,the damage is done. Mine curled up and wouldn't move for days, then it died

. My queen angelfish ate my 2 other red chips. I enjoy watching star fish,but water parameters are a must.....

 

[lnknprkpl]

Any ideas as to why my clown is now lethargic? He was fine before?

 

[lnknprkpl]

Also, I got the SG up to 1.024, but it was too late for the starfish