Starfish in 40B

[Sharkbait19]

Hi,
I’ve recently decided to upgrade my Fluval 13.5 to a 40 breeder tank (36 x 18 x 16). I haven’t set the aquarium up yet, but am starting to make plans for the new tank down the line. I’ve always loved starfish and was wondering if there are any species (besides brittle stars) that could be sustained in these dimensions. I looked into sand sifters, but given the foot diameter, am not certain about them. Fromias are small, but I heard that they starve most of the time. Any thoughts on 40 gallon starfish, or should I just keep dreaming?

 

[blaxsun]

As much as I'd love to have starfish - I can't seem to keep any alive for more than 6 months. And this is with a 160-gallon system. I've tried a wide variety but they all seem to perish regardless of water conditions, feeding, etc. From what I gather in speaking with others, this very high mortality rate is pretty standard.

 

[Sharkbait19]

Bump

I’m pretty much resigned to the fact that no star would work, just curious if anyone’s heard of one that I haven’t?

 

[daftbeni]

Bump

I’m pretty much resigned to the fact that no star would work, just curious if anyone’s heard of one that I haven’t?

I have a 80g DT and have a sand sifting starfish for almost a year now. Not sure why mine is still going strong but every time I see it it looks much bigger

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Asterina (Aquilonastra) stars are the only other ones I know of that are found in the hobby. Unfortunately, most starfish eventually do starve in our tanks, and most starfish are recommended for much larger systems. The closest one I know size wise (excluding coldwater stars) that seemed to do alright (was still alive eight months after initial posting by the owner- it might have died shortly after, it might be alive today, IDK) is Phataria unifascialis, and it a known zoanthid eater with a 55 gallon minimum recommended. It also comes with a $50 price tag, so it’s one of the more expensive species available.

 

[EricR]

I've had my chocolate chip star for about 1.5 years and, now, in my 40 breeder since tank transfer about 7 months ago but:
-- I know they're considered NOT reef safe
-- I only started soft corals (zoas) 4+ months ago
***no problems yet so I'm just keepin' an eye on him

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

I've had an orange linckia in a 10 gallon for over 4 months and he's active and seems healthy. I primarily credit that to the fact that I used all live ocean rock