Live Sand Dollars in Reef tanks

[Palmetto]

Has anyone kept Sand Dollars alive in a reef tank? It seems to me that it would be an interesting sand sifter/ detrivore. They handle higher temperatures in tide pools and such, it seems that they could handle the warmer water.

I am on vacation at Hilton Head island, and have gathered a few to try. They are in a cooler with an airstone now. I have kept some for awhile before that had appeared to be doing fine, but I had evil damsels at the time that ruined them.

I have done some searches, but really can't find anyone with experience on them. I can't imagine that collection is restricted, most people mass-murder them to dry the little skeletons.

Anyone?

 

[Anonymous]

i would be afraid of introducing unknown disease/parasites to your tank. not sure about that one. i would think you probably couldn't - or at least shouldn't.

 

[Anonymous]

I have heard they don't do much except stay half-buried in the sand.

 

[bpnc]

I picked up 4 small ones 1.5 inches in diameter from Fort Meyers Beach. I have 2 in my main tank and 2 in the refugium..they have been there since late June. They move around and disturb the upper layer...only see them once in a while but usually can find them because of the trail left behind in the sand. No problems that I can tell so far.