chocolate chip star vs. live rock

[skowens]

OK. I have oredered my new lights (PCs)and am abought to add a skimmer and will hopefully be adding live rock in the next month or so. I have had my FO 55 up and running for well over a year and have a chocolate chip star for almost a year. The guy at one of the LFS that I frequent said that I would have to get rid of the star or it would strip the rock. Had contradicting advice from another LFS. Also heard certain hermits are detrimental to live rock. Anybody with advice or experience with this? Would be willing to trade him or some of the hermits if necessary but would rather keep him if possible. Also the LFS sells Figi live rock for 6.99/pound, is this reasonable when you take shipping etc into account? Thanks in advance. sko

 

[Anemone]

The chocolate chip star won't harm the live rock. It will harm many corals you might buy (as well as any that hitchike in on the live rock). If you're not planning on having any corals, keep the star.

As for the hermits, it really depends upon the type and their size. Mostly, they won't harm the rock directly, but larger ones can grind away coralline algae, and like the star, may harm certain corals.

The $6.99 price is reasonable if you're only buying a small amount. If you get 40+ lbs, most MO places give you a price break on buying by the box (usually 40-50 lbs), and often include shipping in this lower price.

Kevin

 

[FMarini]

HI:
Strip the rocks of what??? coraline algae? life?
CC stars are carnivores. while they shouldn't do to much damage to live rock straight up. They will eat soft corals and stuff you place on the live rock. They like polyps and mushrooms for sure. So if this is a FO tank w/ NO corals you should be fine. Just make sure the star gets food. I feed mine chunks of shrimp
What was the mixed opinion from the LFS?
my opinion
frank

 

[skowens]

Thanks for the replies, I know that CC stars are carnivores, have been feeding it shrimp for over a year. I didn't think it would harm the coraline but wasn't sure about the other life that might come on the rock. I feed the star every few days. I guess I will keep it for now and see what happens but eventually I do want to get some mushrooms and polyps so he will probably get traded at that point. Whatdaya think?