Should I get a sand sifting star...

[S!mon]

I was told to get a sand sifting star to help my sand bed instead of a cuke. I am leaning twards the star because I've heard bad things about cukes (the cuke nuke). What is everyone's opinions about one or the other.

 

[mr_X]

what size tank do you have? what are you going to put in it?

 

[S!mon]

Its a 30 gallon tank thats been up for three years now. I have two acros and some lps right now.

 

[mr_X]

how deep is your sand bed? the reason i ask is that i have a 75 with a 2"-3" sand bed and i think my 2 sand sifters ran out of food. i had to give one up. i believe this can happen, and very well might with a 30.
i'll tell you that sand sifters sure do stay busy. :wink:

 

[Len]

I'd avoid sand sifting stars regardless. I simply don't like them as they decimate sandbeds of life and reducing biodiversity. You really don't need a sandsifter, but if you must, conches are excellent choices.

 

[mr_X]

i haven't seen any of those (conches) at the LFS. do you have a link?

 

[Len]

This is my favorite conch:
http://www.marinedepotlive.com/tonga-fi ... imals.html

 

[Anonymous]

No sand sifting star if a live sand bed is a goal. I too like the conch that Len mentioned. Never seen them get very big.

 

[Len]

They're also fun to watch. I would've never thought a gastropod could have this much personality