|
|
|
|
|
#1
03-26-2012, 06:37 PM
|
|||||
|
|||||
The only people that I've personally known to keep sand sifting stars alive long term had 500 and 225gal aquariums with very large sand beds. I foolishly tried one myself years ago in my 120gal when it had 90lbs of sand. At that time the sand was only 1-2 years old and the star lasted about a month.
Cerith snails might be a good choice for you. They stay small and they eat algae in and around the sand bed unlike nassarius which are detritivores. To start I'd only buy one or two for that little tank then see how they do before adding more.
__________________
"We shall dive down through black abysses... and in that lair of the Deep Ones we shall dwell amidst wonder and glory forever." - H.P. Lovecraft Old 120gal Tank Journal New 225gal Tank Journal May 2010 TOTM The 10th Annual Prince George Reef Tank Tour 
|
|
#2
03-26-2012, 07:05 PM
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
I kept two sand stars in my 180 for about 6 months. Then I sold one as I was a little concerned about the starving. Now I have had one for a year and is doing great. I have also kept a marble fromia which I have seen feed on everything from HA to cyano. Though I am not sure about there diet completely.
A sand sifter goby may work well for you but the people who I know loved them then regretted it after.
|
|
#3
03-26-2012, 11:27 PM
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
you could think about a two spot goby.......they stay small and sift the sand......might spit sand on corals on the sand bed and they are a goby, so they can be a "flight risk".... http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...216&pcatid=216
__________________
260g mixed reef, 105g sump, water blaster 7000 return, Bubble King SM 300 skimmer, Aqua Controller Jr, 4 radions, 3 Tunze 6055s,1 tunze 6065, 2 Vortech MP40s, Vortech MP20, Tunze ATO, GHL SA2 doser, 2 TLF reactors (1 carbon, 1 rowa). http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=50034 . Tank Video here http://www.vimeo.com/2304609 and here http://www.vimeo.com/16591694
|
|
#5
03-27-2012, 12:36 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
I have a diamond goby (Valenciennea puellaris) that does a fantastic job of keeping the sand white. Mine has stayed small and tends to spit out the sand just above the bed rather than carrying it up into the water column like other gobies. The goby can get up to 6" but mine hasn't grown over 3", you may have to move it to a larger tank down the road if it does get big. They are common in Edmonton but call around for prices, the same fish ranged in price from $20 to $60 depending on the store. They will also eat regular fish food. Mine was shy and didn't do much for 2 weeks but now he is always cleaning and never hides.
|
|
#6
03-27-2012, 02:08 AM
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
ive done lots of research on them but get to big... i've been hearing move to a larger tank waaaaay to much lately. i must be running into some money here soon!
__________________
Can't is the cancer of happen - charlie sheen 20g reef 25g sump, DIY led form modular led, 2 false percs 
|
|
#7
03-27-2012, 11:51 PM
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
I think the fighting conch is too big for the 20. I've got one in a 90 and the available sand bed barely seems big enough for it (they don't climb well so you need lot's of open space). I would support the Hector's Goby (or a Rainfords) as a good choice for your situation.
|
Hybrid Mode
