deep, deep sand bed

Discussion in 'Refugium' started by Swisswiss, Jun 30, 2015.

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  1. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    the "new" layer is red sea live sand ( was/am iffy about this stuff but i gave it a shot anyway) having a very deep sand bed now i was wondering if you folks think its deep enough to sustain a "Astropecten polycanthus" when it has matured a bit more of course. im thinking of adding her to avoid toxic pockets to form.

    thoughts, experience, suggestions, accusastions, shaming lets hear it!

    Jeff
     

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  3. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    also, realizing a refugium is....well just that; a refugium. is adding this kind of sea star counter productive for filtration/food reserve?
     
  4. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    They usually starve. Use a fighting conch or nassarius snails.:)
     
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  5. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    thx vinny, that was my plan B actually (nassarius). iv read these sand shifter stars get up to 12"!?!? holy crap!
     
  6. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    The main problem with them is they can perish without you knowing and possibly foul the tank.
     
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  7. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    Definitely do a sand conch, a bit more pricey than nassarius snails but they work miracles. Wouldn't hurt to throw a couple nassarius in there too though
     
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  9. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Definitely agree on the conch and nassarius snails; sand-sifting stars actively prey on live sandbed infauna (what you paid extra for that keeps the sandbed clean). They're also quite voracious, hence the reason they usually starve in captivity, even in larger systems.
     
  10. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    noted, thx for the feedback folks