Any snails a Forbes Sea Star won't eat-other newbie questions

KimInTN · 03/19/2013, 01:55 PM

I'm new to saltwater, and have a lot of questions :-). Have had the 29 gallon tank set up since December as we rescued an Asterias Forbes Sea Star. We have nitrates that are staying at 40 yet only have live sand, some live rock the Asterias Forbes Sea Star (about the size of a hand), a pencil rock urchin that was a baby in the live rock, some worms, a small brittle rock (all from live rock). I bought 4 of the Nassarius snails and want more as a cleaner crew but the the Sea Star ate one, and the shell was under him. The others aren't coming out of the sand often as either afraid or new.... The Sea Star seems to be on constant hunt now :-( Reefs 2 Go has them on sale now so wanting to buy a cleaning crew. I would also like to buy a blenny. The local fish store said that the Nitrates being 40 at so many million wouldn't kill anything just to not let them go higher. We do water change and clean weekly. There are no fish, although I want to get some. I bought an intank Hydor Nano skimmer and just set it up. We also bought the Master Reef test kit. Thanks for any tips!
*Does anyone know any snails that are reef safe, clean good, and that the Sea Star may not be able to catch or eat yet wouldn't harm him? I know it's nature but don't want them killed. I need a cleaner crew though.
*Are there any salt water snails that breed in the tank a lot? Several aquariums said to let him eat snails, clams, mollusks etc.. My daughter had a fit him eating the snail.
*Does anyone know if you buy the cleaning crew with free shipping at Reefs 2 go how much more the shipping is to add fish?
*Would a Blenny survive the Nitrates?
*Also, would blue or red legged hermit crabs hurt the Sea Star?
*What plants could help with Nitrates?

* I read to take the filter out of the cheap filter that came with the aquarium kit as it can harbor nitrates. I've done that yet it's not lowered. Would you put some sort of filter in it? The fish store said some stuff they sell for .99 a foot

Thanks! Kim

worm5406 · 03/19/2013, 02:19 PM

The filter media prob had some live bacteria on it. So it will take a bit to bring it up.

Do you have a sump or anything that is helping filter?

The HOB filter is not so bad as long as you check up on it regularly. Taking the filter out will instantly get rid of a LOT of beneficial bacteria.

Reefs2Go is good so is reefcleaners.

Send them both an e-mail and ask what they recommend. I do not know that star, only Patrick, and I do not know if it will eat other snails, but they will be able to point you in the right direction.

KimInTN · 03/20/2013, 11:40 AM

I don't have a sump. I did buy a Hydor Skimmer and have it in now. Thanks!

03/19/2013, 01:55 PM	#1
KimInTN Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 26	Any snails a Forbes Sea Star won't eat-other newbie questions I'm new to saltwater, and have a lot of questions :-). Have had the 29 gallon tank set up since December as we rescued an Asterias Forbes Sea Star. We have nitrates that are staying at 40 yet only have live sand, some live rock the Asterias Forbes Sea Star (about the size of a hand), a pencil rock urchin that was a baby in the live rock, some worms, a small brittle rock (all from live rock). I bought 4 of the Nassarius snails and want more as a cleaner crew but the the Sea Star ate one, and the shell was under him. The others aren't coming out of the sand often as either afraid or new.... The Sea Star seems to be on constant hunt now :-( Reefs 2 Go has them on sale now so wanting to buy a cleaning crew. I would also like to buy a blenny. The local fish store said that the Nitrates being 40 at so many million wouldn't kill anything just to not let them go higher. We do water change and clean weekly. There are no fish, although I want to get some. I bought an intank Hydor Nano skimmer and just set it up. We also bought the Master Reef test kit. Thanks for any tips! Does anyone know any snails that are reef safe, clean good, and that the Sea Star may not be able to catch or eat yet wouldn't harm him? I know it's nature but don't want them killed. I need a cleaner crew though. Are there any salt water snails that breed in the tank a lot? Several aquariums said to let him eat snails, clams, mollusks etc.. My daughter had a fit him eating the snail. Does anyone know if you buy the cleaning crew with free shipping at Reefs 2 go how much more the shipping is to add fish? Would a Blenny survive the Nitrates? Also, would blue or red legged hermit crabs hurt the Sea Star? What plants could help with Nitrates? * I read to take the filter out of the cheap filter that came with the aquarium kit as it can harbor nitrates. I've done that yet it's not lowered. Would you put some sort of filter in it? The fish store said some stuff they sell for .99 a foot Thanks! Kim

03/19/2013, 02:19 PM	#2
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	The filter media prob had some live bacteria on it. So it will take a bit to bring it up. Do you have a sump or anything that is helping filter? The HOB filter is not so bad as long as you check up on it regularly. Taking the filter out will instantly get rid of a LOT of beneficial bacteria. Reefs2Go is good so is reefcleaners. Send them both an e-mail and ask what they recommend. I do not know that star, only Patrick, and I do not know if it will eat other snails, but they will be able to point you in the right direction. __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

03/20/2013, 11:40 AM	#3
KimInTN Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 26	I don't have a sump. I did buy a Hydor Skimmer and have it in now. Thanks!