Water Parameters

[Mbc]

I have noticed an increase of asterinas starfish in my tank. I assume they arrived as hitch hikers but could my water parameters be off and causing them to multiply? My phosphate is on the high side but I am dealing with that. The tank is mostly LPS. I am aware that a harlequin will eat them but I have a prized starfish in the tank that I am not interested in placing in harms way.
Any input?

 

[Pkunk35]

I think they eat bacteria and other stuff off the surface of rocks, but I think they can also eat a wider variety foods, i"m not sure if anyone knows exactly what they eat.

I suggest removing or somehow eradicating them when you can, they can get really out of hand really fast although I never noticed them harming coral (I believe they did unintentionally kill some coralline due to their numbers tho).

 

[Paul C.]

I am hand picking them now but hoped for another solution incase i miss some and they head towards my chalices.

 

[Pkunk35]

I am hand picking them now but hoped for another solution incase i miss some and they head towards my chalices.

Best and only solution I know of is harlequin. It will 100% eradicate them but then you must feed the harlequin after the asterina are gone.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

I have seen my population of asterina starfish explode since I have increased the feedings. It seems they are feeding off the excess nutrients.

 

[Downbeach]

When you see things like Asterina sea stars and pineapple sponges start to increase, its usually a sign that your nutrients are also increasing.

 

[Mbc]

Seahorse and Downbeach +1 for the increase in feedings = nutrients. I will continue to harvest by hand. No harlequin shrimp in my future but maybe a Malanurus Wrasse

 

[swannyson7]

Asterinas are detrivores, so they will feed on algae caused by excess nutrients. When you increase your feedings, your PO4 & NO3 will increase, thus increasing the food source for the asterinas. Reduce your nutrients through water changes, skimming, macroalgae culling, carbon dosing, or GFO... then your asterina population will diminish quickly.

 

[reefin101]

i read somewhere to leave your lights off for 36-48 hrs and they supposedly will climb to the water surface and you can pick off many to help lower the population fast.
Various wrasses like them too. Not sure off hand which ones tho.

 

[Mbc]

Asterinas are detrivores, so they will feed on algae caused by excess nutrients. When you increase your feedings, your PO4 & NO3 will increase, thus increasing the food source for the asterinas. Reduce your nutrients through water changes, skimming, macroalgae culling, carbon dosing, or GFO... then your asterina population will diminish quickly.

We are doing all of the above.....we increased our feedings and are getting nice chalice growth. Right now I harvesting firsting in the morning and may try a around of lights off for a day. I was looking at a Malanarus Wrasse but we already have a six line and want to add a mystery...so i was told it is not a good idea to add a another. Thoughts?

 

[robert]

I'd ignore them - I've never found them to be much of an issue - on the contrary, they're filling a niche and helping clean the system. I get the occasional population boom and find it has always subsided on its own.