Hi. Just recently set up a 10g nano. I picked up a bunch of frags at "The Fish Store & More" today. I also got a Sand Sifting Starfish and was not warned about their eating habits. I did some Googling and read that they are voracious eaters and will decimate my sand bed in the short term and ultimately die. Do I need to get it out of the tank? What should I do with it since I can't bring it back to the store?

Thanks.

you should probobly put it in a quarentine tank and try to sell it. You could give it to marine fish for store credit too. I don't know how much they would give you but at least it wouldn't die. Marine fish is wone of the sponsers so you can check out their info. Their store hours are 12pm to 7pm.
Good luck, Diane

Definetly not a good choice for a nano or really not good for any aquarium IMO.

How many other items are competing for the nutrients in your sandbed? (ie, nassarius snails, other sand sifters, etc.?) I had one in an established 55 and it did die, but I also know of some reefers who can keep one alive. I think it depends on how big a food supply you have. Did you find info on the size tank it takes to sustain one? Good luck to you. At least you are trying to do the right think.

edit

Oops! I mis-read your post and thought you said a 100G. Definitely not a good idea for a 10G. Try to find another home for it.

yeah-for 10g not a good choice!

you'll need to take it out of the 10g and find a suitable home asap. Take it to a lfs or find someone with a large tank.

A quarantine tank is NOT suitable and will surely kill it since there is no food whatsoever.

How big is it? I need one for my 220!

how big do these get? could I have on in my 54 corner?? I plan on having a decent amount of sand

I've had one in my 75 for over a year and it is doing great. Comes out every once and awhile just to let me know it is still there. I do have a large bioload so that may be why it does so well.

I have had two in my 90gal for two years and have had no problems.

Thanks to everyone for all the info and advice.

I ended up trading the star to ARC member for a few small frags.

Probably a smart move. I know it was hard giving up something you wanted, but you did the right thing. I hope you enjoy your new frags.