starfish trouble

[exodon]

Forica Starfish - 5 cm
45 gal. instore established system
water chem. - ok (1.023)
temp 77ish

Eats ok and comes onto glass
but has developed an erosion on one leg and is
quickly deteriorating. Probably will lose leg.
Appears white and eroding.

What is this, and what causes it. Is there a remedy
and will it repair itself?

Any relevant comments appreciated.
Thanks

Exodon
info@myfishtank.ca

 

[toodles]

First off I would say that your salinity is too low for a starfish. They really need to be kept at 1.025. But the main reason for starfish to deteriorate is improper acclimation. They are extremely sensitive to changes in salinity and must be acclimated slowly using the drip method. Use a bucket and put the starfish and it's shipping water in it, then run a drip line going from the tank down to the bucket. There must be something on this tubing to constrict it enough so only one drop at a time comes out. Some people use clips or clamps, others tie knots in the tubing. This will usually take 4 to 5 hours to do it correctly. Once they start to "fall apart", there is nothing you can do for the starfish.
Sorry.