I just started my first tank and my starfish is laying on its stomach with its legs curled up in the air. Is it dieing? Can I do anything to help it. I was misinformed at the pet store when I bought the things for my new tank. I was told after 24 hour just float the bag like a goldfish and put everything in after 20 or 30 minutes. My shrimp, anenomies, and some fish are dead and I think my starfish if dieing. I went to FOrt Smith and talked to a real fish guy at Just Fish and he told me my local pet shop owner had misinformed me on several things and advised me to sign up for you group to get help. DOes anyone know anything about starfish.
Welcome to the forums! What size tank is it? How long has it been setup and has it completed it's initial cycle? Have you tested your water parameters to make sure it's ready for critters -- ammonia and nitrites 0, nitrates low, specific gravity 1.023-1.026, temp 78-82? Filtration system and lighting? We're here to help but we need a little more info.
Jay is on the right track here trying to ensure your water parms are good. I am sorry the store told you to just dump them in after floating. Inverts are really sensitive to salinity changes as you now know. The drip method is the way to go on them and it can take an hour to do right. At this point about the only thing you can do is ensure your water is good and hope the little guy pulls through.
Sounds to me that it's water quality if you are loosing other thig's in the tank as well. How long have you had the tank?
Just fish Kno's alot about fish! you were prob told the bad way of adding fish ect.. u need to let your tank set up for atleast 2 months before adding any fish! you can add cycle to your tank to help it speed up the process a little! you can get it from wal mart! you can bring a water sample to just fish and they will do a compleat testing of you water for free! and FYI go on saterday and sunday when dan is there he gives much beter prices on the goods and fish/corals! just do say that i told you so!
If your starfish was a linkia, they are very difficult to acclimate. Those that do acclimate are very hardy, but they are few and far between. It is a painful thing to watch a linkia slowly disintegrate. So painful that it has been three years since I have attempted to keep one again - I will let you know how it goes. Brittle stars are very hardy, but as with all invertebrates needs to be acclimated very slowly to temp., salinity and your tanks chemistry. I have several brittle stars that have been with me since the inception of my tank - post cycling of course. Be cautious of the green brittle stars as they are notorious fish eaters. Starfish that have nobbs on there arms can be considered predators and need to be kept in a fish only tank. When I am in a lfs about to purchase something that I haven't researched I go to there book section and pick up one of there saltwater books and glance over the care and compatibility of the animal. The store should see that you care enough to look rather than be insulted that you don't take there word for it.
Its also good to ask how long the livestock has been in the store. Sometimes things aren't shipped well or packed properly when they come in. Figure out what day they get their order in and come in a few days later, that way if they still look good then they have a better chance.
Crider, please do not be afraid to respond. We would like to help you in your marine aquarium en devours.
