night creatures

Question
Hi Jennifer,

Two weeks ago we purchased a 72 gallon salt-water tank and have added roughly 50 pounds of live rock, 8 small crabs, 6 snails, and today added a few fish for the first time.  We just turned the lights off in the tank and noticed within a few minutes that dozens of these starfish-like creatures emerged (6 legs), (all different sizes), and are swimming around and sticking to the glass etc.  Do you happen to know what they are called and if they are okay to have in there?  Also, they seem to be kind of bothering my clownfish.  Is this okay?

Thank you so much for your time,
Rachel

Answer
Hello Rachel,

(This is Bill.  I'm not sure what happened to Jennifer, hopefully she will be back soon)

I would like to SEE the starfish you are talking about.  But most are okay.

If they are super small, and have thin legs, or are super small, about a 1/4 inch maximum, and are more 'traditional' looking in shape, and crawl over the glass, those are all ok.

Not sure how they can affect the clownfish though, so would like to get more information.

Normally those types of critters are okay, and a good sign things are going well in the system.

BUT, I would have to caution you to SLOW DOWN please.  Two weeks is not nearly long enough to 'establish' a tank for that many critters.

The 'clean-up crew' that you got, is good, maybe a bit big, since there isn't a lot of waste being generated, but, they will find a balance, and either grow or shrink depending on the amount of food stuff available.

Slowing down will give you a chance to read more about 'cycling tanks' and let you get more familiar with testing and water changes.

It will also allow you to get used to the routine of maintenance, water changes, etc...

It would be unfortunate to invest a bunch of money and in a short time have something happen that you don't know how to fix, or relate to us here...


Please let us know how things work out for you, and if possible let us know  more info on those stars.


ALSO, i probably watch/view my tank more at night after the lights go off then during the daytime.  There is way more life and activity then.





Mr. Bill