Sand sifting star for nano?

[16fishes]

So I just bought a sand sifting starfish from WWC because the guy said it’s a good algae eater for diatoms on sand (better than the emerald crab I was looking at) but when I got home and actually researched, I found out that they’re really not the best addition for smaller tanks (I have a 25g) because they will basically just slowly starve to death. I’m not sure what to do now because I’d hate it if didn’t make it. Did I make the wrong purchase? Is my tank too small? Is there a way to supplement feeding once algae gone?

 

[tbrown]

Sand sifters, from my understanding, need a LOT of food. I've had one in my 2.5 year old 70 gallon tank for about 7 or 8 months now but it's definitely not thriving.

For the record, mine was not purchased - it ended up in my bag from the LFS on a holiday weekend so I was unable to return it to the store. Unfortunately in most cases, Sand Sifters don't survive long term in fish tanks.

 

[16fishes]

Sand sifters, from my understanding, need a LOT of food. I've had one in my 2.5 year old 70 gallon tank for about 7 or 8 months now but it's definitely not thriving.

For the record, mine was not purchased - it ended up in my bag from the LFS on a holiday weekend so I was unable to return it to the store. Unfortunately in most cases, Sand Sifters don't survive long term in fish tanks.

I let the algae grow out in my tank, so there’s a lot for it right now, but I’m definitely concerned for long-term. Would you recommend returning it to the store? Or giving it away so it has a better chance?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I let the algae grow out in my tank, so there’s a lot for it right now, but I’m definitely concerned for long-term. Would you recommend returning it to the store? Or giving it away so it has a better chance?

I personally would not have one in a new reef tank, but that is just me

 

[tbrown]

I let the algae grow out in my tank, so there’s a lot for it right now, but I’m definitely concerned for long-term. Would you recommend returning it to the store? Or giving it away so it has a better chance?

From my understanding, Sand Sifters are detrivores not herbivores. They scavenge and eat mostly meaty foods.

 

[tbrown]

I let the algae grow out in my tank, so there’s a lot for it right now, but I’m definitely concerned for long-term. Would you recommend returning it to the store? Or giving it away so it has a better chance?

People that have long term success feed them directly most of the time.