Sand sifter

G1GY · #1 02-01-2007, 04:30 AM

I've heard that they can actualy strip the sandbed of anything good. But I'm not sure that's true.

justinl · #2 02-01-2007, 06:37 AM

well the main function of a sand sifter is to sift sand. hence the name

It seems logical that a few might munch on life in the bed, but hey, it's a give and take relationship isn't it? Just so long as you don't throw in too many things that strip the bed (what those include, I don't know) of life, I think things will turn out anywhere from okay to better than before. At least you won't get the black-anoxic-toxic-and-generally-just-plain-icky sand that unstirred DSBs are known for.

as for suggestions for a reef sifter, i hear good things about various gobies. sand sifting stars do a good job. cucumbers are up there too, but Id go for a non toxic one.

krisalexander · #3 02-01-2007, 07:37 AM

Hey,
I have a nice sand bed, and it is nicely maintained by two twin spotted gobies. (AKA 4 wheel drive gobies) One of my favourite fish.
Here is a picture of Barnes and Noble...

Kris

DanG · #4 02-01-2007, 08:44 PM

Depending on how wide the tank is, a strawberry conch would be good if you don't have a ton of surface area, but if it's a shallower and longer/wider tank, a spider conch would work, but they get big, really big.

1bigstud · #5 02-02-2007, 08:39 PM

Beautiful fish Krisalexander. I think I'm leaning torward gobies, any recommendations?

ponokareefer · #6 02-02-2007, 09:05 PM

I have a sandsifting star that does a good job. I don't see it much though. The only issue I have heard with gobies is if you have anything in the sand, corals or clams. I had a goby that would sometimes put the substrate on corals.

TNTCanada · #7 02-02-2007, 11:04 PM

I am a big fan of the sand sifting star fish... they do a good job at keeping my sand nice and white. Had a goby but got rid of it as it was always spitting out sand on top of all my Zoos and live rock.

Cheers
Tyler