Blue Tuxedo Urchin Help

[kl3377]

I recently got a BT Urchin and I noticed today that it has dropped some of its spines and is not looking so good. My SG is 1.025, Ca 450, Alk 8.3, ph 8.0, temp 80-82 and no phosphates, nitrites, or nitrates. The first seven days or so it was moving around on the rock and sticking things to itself but the last two or three days it has moved on to the black overflow box. I was very careful and moved it back to the rocks, it was stuck but I am begining to question whether it is still alive or not. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[JRoweNole]

I would just watch him closely to see if he continues to lose spines and if he is moving/alive.

Usually in my experience, an urchin that begins losing spines is not a very good sign. The urchin may not have acclimated very well to your system.

I have had good luck with tuxedo urchins, mine living for at least 3 years or so.

 

[Grins]

I'd give this page a read: http://wetwebmedia.com/urchindisfaqs.htm

 

[kl3377]

The spines seem to be two rows next to each other on one side. I just got home from work and am currently watching to see if there is any movement. I received a few other inverts in the same shipment and all are doing well: (2) glass anemone shrimp, a pom pom crab, two electric hermits, and a couple of banded trochus snails. I would have prefered to buy locally but you just can't find what I wanted in this area.

I have one other thought, in order for the urchin to get to the overflow he traveled between my two BTA's, is it possible they had something to do with it. When I first got the urchin he went close enough to the BTA's to get touched and I didn't notice any damage then, just a thought. Also my live rock has plenty of coralline so I don't think food is an issue.

It doesn't look good to me either, I hate it when I lose something, it makes me feel irresponsible and guilty for being in this hobby.

Thanks for the help and the link (found the same one last night)

 

[kl3377]

The spines seem to be two rows next to each other on one side. I just got home from work and am currently watching to see if there is any movement. I received a few other inverts in the same shipment and all are doing well: (2) glass anemone shrimp, a pom pom crab, two electric hermits, and a couple of banded trochus snails. I would have prefered to buy locally but you just can't find what I wanted in this area.

I have one other thought, in order for the urchin to get to the overflow he traveled between my two BTA's, is it possible they had something to do with it. When I first got the urchin he went close enough to the BTA's to get touched and I didn't notice any damage then, just a thought. Also my live rock has plenty of coralline so I don't think food is an issue.

It doesn't look good to me either, I hate it when I lose something, it makes me feel irresponsible and guilty for being in this hobby.

Thanks for the help and the link (found the same one last night)