[bamyam]

I have probably made my first big mistake since starting my reef tank a few weeks ago, I bought a sand shifting star fish before doing any research on this invert, now having done so, it looks like I have condemmed it to a long slow death from starvation when the food supply runs out in the substraight. Is there any way of feeding the star?

[glampka]

Have you considered taking it back to the lfs?

[Krazy]

Originally Posted by glampka

Have you considered taking it back to the lfs?

That is what I would personally do

[Taras1]

How big is your tank and what do you have in it besides the sand sifting star. I've heard that using the sinking algae pellets can be used (SPARINGLY). I also treat my sandsifting star to a "salad" shrimp now and then. When I put the shrimp in, it suddenly surfaces and starts to eat.

[bamyam]

Hi, it is a 150 gallon system, I have 10 hermits, 15 turbos, 2 cleaner shrimps and 3 soft corals, these are my first additions to the tank.
bamyam.

[Taras1]

Well, depending on where you are with your nitrogen cycle and when you added the original livestock you listed, you might be able to add a couple clownfish or damsels, if these are fishes you wanted.

Your LR should also help in producing some detrius depending on die off and growth as it adjusts to your system. Don't forget even in the "most sterile" system, there is microscopic life that your starfish may eat.

[bamyam]

150 gallon total (tank + sump) reef, its been running for 2 weeks.
In the tank I have about 90 kilos of live rock placed on glass + 10 kilos of caribsea crushed coral substrate, shallow just to cover glass bottom not covered by rock, there are 2 seio 1500's & an Eden 228 power heads + 2 returns from sump.
The sump has more live rock + mud & caulerpa, also houses heater, 2 return pumps, skimmer (D&D APF 600) and auto top up.
Lighting is 4 T5's, 3*Aquablue + 1*Actinic plus.
1st water test, Temp 27deg C, SG 1.022, pH 8.2, KH 8.0, Ammonia 0.05mg,
Nitrite 0.02mg and Nitrate 20mg.
Water now at pH 8.2. KH 8.0, Ammonia 0.02mg, Nitrite 0.02mg, Nitrate 20mg, Temp 27.5deg C & SG 1.024. 1st additions moved in 20-04-07.

[Taras1]

Looks like you're still cycling nitrogen. I'd be patient for another 2 weeks. Perhaps a water change (10 - 15%) just to get the NO3 down.