sand stars?

[fosterspike]

i got 2 sand sifting stars at the pet store the other day, but i read some where they need a 100 gal tank so they dont starve. my tank is 90 gal and has a 2.5-3 in sand bed is this ok?

Edited December 21, 2008 by fosterspike

[capsfan]

Just me, but I don't see much of a difference in 10 gallons.

[Buucca]

I've had 1 in each of my 55g for over a year and a half. I think if you feed your tank well, they'll be okay. They don't like high nitrates so keep an eye on that.

Edited December 21, 2008 by Buucca

[Rascal]

If you got the star because you think it's a cool critter to have (it is), it will probably be fine. If you got it because you believe it will "sift" your sand and help your keep your sand bed healthy (like the LFS probably told you) you probably made a mistake. If you do some more research on these you'll find that they are primarily carnivores. That means they spend their time sifting through your sand eating all of the other little critters (worms, pods and such) that actually churn the sand particles and help break down waste (i.e.-the detrivores and scavengers that eat poop and leftovers, and leftover poop). The reason for the large tank recommendation is so that there will be enough food to support the star's voracious appetite. As far as keeping a sand bed healthy, they do far more harm than good.