Sand Shifting/Sifting question

[fireman26m]

I can't remember which critter is better...a sand Shifting or a sand Sifting. And I would love some recommendations for the good kind. TIA

 

[i have crabs]

is thier a difference ?



but what the hell do i know

 

[kidkameleon3]

are you high?

 

[fireman26m]

One just moves the sand around the other moves the sand looking for pods.

 

[Fishboy-from-NY]

Whow, I thought thier was no such thing as a sand sifter

 

[fireman26m]

Ok....maybe I am high. Could have sworn there was a difference and saw something about it on here. I want something to move the sand around but not decimate the pod population.

 

[Guest]

There is a difference, you want a 'shifter'. Try some nassarius snails.

 

[fireman26m]

Thanks Six-line. I thought I was making things up. I need more snails anyways so I'll just get some more when I pick them up.

 

[SquishyFish]

You can remember it this way...the sifter is looking for something to eat. So he is sifting through the sand looking for food. The Shifter is just moving around and inadvertantly moves the sand as he goes.

The sifter is eating your infauna...thats bad. The shifter is eating ditritus, algae, extra food...depends on what kind of shifter you have. I would also suggest conch. Great little guys to watch!

 

[fireman26m]

Conch huh?.....I've seen a few at the LFS. Any species suggestions? Any stars that are "shifters"?

 

[SquishyFish]

Sand stars are usually sifters...not the kind you want.

Conchs..I would suggest one per square foot of open sand. Fighting conchs and queen conchs are the best. Be aware the queen conchs will get very very large.