Sand Sifting Stars

jamestank · 02-03-2005, 01:53 PM

I had put 2 sand sifting stars in my new 75 gallon aquarium at the advice of my LFS. I now have read that these stars will take many beneficial organisms out of my live sand (I also noticed that they were frequently climbing the walls a night - maybe they ate everything in the tank and were looking for more food?). I took them out yesterday (they had been in there about 3 weeks - the tank's only 4 weeks old) and brought them back to the store.

My question is this - do I need to do anything to repopulate the live sand or will it occur naturally? Also, what can I introduce to stir the sand bed without the negative consequences the sifting stars bring?

Thanks!

cronicreef · 02-03-2005, 02:17 PM

You can use a gravel vacum and siphon out all the loose gravel crud that builds up in your sand bed. Just be carful and only do a small amount once a week (whenever you feel the need for a water change). Just do the top inch so you don't stir up any toxins. You will be suprised how much well come up.

szwedo · 02-08-2005, 12:44 PM

you could use snails

02-03-2005, 01:53 PM	#1
jamestank Just Moved In Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bronxville, NY Posts: 16	Sand Sifting Stars I had put 2 sand sifting stars in my new 75 gallon aquarium at the advice of my LFS. I now have read that these stars will take many beneficial organisms out of my live sand (I also noticed that they were frequently climbing the walls a night - maybe they ate everything in the tank and were looking for more food?). I took them out yesterday (they had been in there about 3 weeks - the tank's only 4 weeks old) and brought them back to the store. My question is this - do I need to do anything to repopulate the live sand or will it occur naturally? Also, what can I introduce to stir the sand bed without the negative consequences the sifting stars bring? Thanks!

02-08-2005, 12:44 PM	#3
szwedo Tenant Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: usa Posts: 71	you could use snails __________________ You may be dissapointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.

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02-03-2005, 02:17 PM	#2
cronicreef Just Moved In Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Michigan (GR) Posts: 10	You can use a gravel vacum and siphon out all the loose gravel crud that builds up in your sand bed. Just be carful and only do a small amount once a week (whenever you feel the need for a water change). Just do the top inch so you don't stir up any toxins. You will be suprised how much well come up.

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