Good Star/Bad Star?

[verynewatthis]

Good morning all,

I was wondering if anyone had a pics of starfish that are bad for Reeftanks. I have a few in my tank. I know my big ones are fine, but im not to sure about the little bitty ones.
And im home for R&R right now, so im wanting to get my tank as good as i can before having to head back to Iraq.

Thanks ahead of time.

Rich

BTW, I got my two water storage tanks in yesterday. Ill post pics of the water changing station as soon as i get it build. Im hoping to have it running soon.

[tony]

good rule of thumb is that if it has bumps - not so reef safe. no bumps - fairly safe.

[Kristy]

As far as the little stars go, the mini brittle stars (often have black and white striped legs) are excellent for the reef. They get into the nooks and crannies and clean up the detritus. We find them everywhere in our live rock and sand. The little asterinas are the rounder, puffier white to tan stars that are less desireable in the reef. They can reproduce to plague proportions and are rumored to eat up your coralline algae, however, in smaller numbers they are also no problem. Here is a link for a pic for reference:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/ac/feature/index.php

[verynewatthis]

Kristy,

Ty so much for the link. It was just what i needed to feel good about the ones i have in my tank.
Best wishes to everyone, and your tanks.

V/R
Rich