Urgent Sea Star Dilemma

Discussion in 'ASAP' started by LittleFishy, Mar 7, 2012.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. MinimumPhase

    MinimumPhase Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2011
    Messages:
    44
    Location:
    Calgary
    It turns out that this concern is purely anectdotal. There is no substantiated evidence to suggest that exposure to air would cause a sea star to perish. It may best be avoided, but there is no proof that it will cause any harm. This is the paraphrased response that I received from Bob Fenner regarding this issue.
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2010
    Messages:
    4,257
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Well then, I stand corrected. Thanks for probing into that.
     
  4. CharlotteReefer

    CharlotteReefer Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2012
    Messages:
    364
    Location:
    LKN, NC
    I accidentally exposed my star to air the other day while changing water. I forgot he was at the top of the tank and water level went about half way down his body exposing the top half. Haven't seen any damage yet, we'll see...
     
  5. CharlotteReefer

    CharlotteReefer Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2012
    Messages:
    364
    Location:
    LKN, NC
    I believe we decided this is the star I have...Echinaster echinophorus
     
  6. IvIountainman

    IvIountainman Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2010
    Messages:
    195
    Location:
    Mount Wolf, PA
    Exposing any stars to air and it causing death is a MYTH! What really is the problem is stars keep a salinity in their digestive and vascular system which is the same as the water they were in. They can stay exposed to air for some time, as long as they are returned to the exact same salinity water they came from. This is why a drip acclamation is so important.

    What you really should be concerned about is: 1. When was the star captured 2. How was it handled, transfered, and acclamated. 3. How did the LFS handle, transfer and acclamate it. 4. How long have they had it.
     
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2012
  7. TritonsGarden

    TritonsGarden 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2008
    Messages:
    541
    Location:
    Lawrenceburg, TN
    I did the exact same thing once except mine was totally out of water. The metal halide lights got too hot for it before I noticed what happened. It died a day later.
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. zoazack911

    zoazack911 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2011
    Messages:
    78
    Location:
    Fairbanks, AK
    It seems the simple answer would be to try to avoid exposing anything that lives under water to air. No matter if it CAN survive, easiest thing to do is not test whether it can or not. My thoughts on that.