number of stars?

[Bens_Reef]

how many stars are ok in a tank, i have several of the white penny sized stars and at least 2 brittle stars. all are hitchhikers. the 2 brittles are only 1-2 inches with the legs.

my tank is 40g w/ 20g sump/fuge, 50g total volume

[Ron Reefman]

The small penny size stars aren't a problem at all. If you have too many some of them will die off, but they really don't need much to keep them alive. I wouldn't want more than 1 bigger star or a couple of smaller stars (your 2" stars) in a 40g DT. I have 2 big serpents (8-12" diameter) in my 180g. They come out for food every few days and I feed them a piece of silversides or a shrimp when they do.

[dlterry85]

some brittle stars will catch and eat fish depending on size. most other stars, for example choc chip, are not reef safe. about the only safe ones are sand sifters and they will eat everything beneficial in your sand bed.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by dlterry85

some brittle stars will catch and eat fish depending on size. most other stars, for example choc chip, are not reef safe. about the only safe ones are sand sifters and they will eat everything beneficial in your sand bed.

. . . and then starve to death.

[Ron Reefman]

Originally Posted by dlterry85

some brittle stars will catch and eat fish depending on size. most other stars, for example choc chip, are not reef safe. about the only safe ones are sand sifters and they will eat everything beneficial in your sand bed.

Not true! I have 2 large (10-12") serpent stars and a yellow sea cucumber in my sand and I have many other things living in my sand as well, like spaghetti worms. The stars have been in the tank since almost day one and they mostly clean up the surface of the sand, they don't dig in it. And I have quite a few small fish that have never been bothered by the stars. That's not to say all stars are safe, they aren't. But mine don't eat everything beneficial in my sand bed! But then I don't know what species you call sand sifters?

[Bens_Reef]

well, i have around seven of the penny stars and have found another brittle star since i first posted, so 2-two inch ones and 1-one inch one, unfortunately i have found these while moving rocks looking for a 6 line wrasse thats gone MIA

[nuff40]

The six line wrasse is most likely hiding in the sandbed, especially if you have been moving things around. Mine disappeared into the sand for several days when first introduced and periodically dives into the sandbed. They also sleep in the sandbed. jmho.

[Bens_Reef]

well that would explain not finding a body or anything, i really hope that is the nature of his disappearance. i really like that fish. unfortunately i am having some other issues with the tank as well. looks like most of my CUC is dieing, just snails so far. i had my water tested at the LFS and everything was normal with nitrates between 5-10ppm. i started SeaGel and Purigen bags and hope that whatever other chemical that may be in my tank is neutralized.