have ? on urchins

[svynx]

I've been reading up on urchins and the care that they require. I won't have any problem with food, and I'm looking at a fairly small one with very short spines, so I'm not too worried about them moving things around.
I'm looking at Lytechinus variegatus "Purple-tipped Variegated Urchin". Anyone have experience with these, or urchins in general. I found some for sale close by, and am temped to go get one later today. But thought I'd get some personal experience tips from you guys first.
Thanks.

 

[michael_cb_125]

The only urchins that I have ever had are Blue Tuxedos. I simply love them. They are so colorful, and do a great job at mowing through some algae. They are easy to care for, and add color and functionality.
~Michael

 

[svynx]

I was looking at the tuxedos as well. The purple tipped (the gf likes purple) is similar, but instead of having black spines and the 5 blue stripes, it's covered in light purple spines. The size is about the same.
Thanks.

 

[michael_cb_125]

Would I be correct if I assumed that the purple urchin you are referring to is the same as a purple Pin Cushion Urchin.
If so, I have some friends how have them, and they do a great job mowing.
~Michael

 

[svynx]

Not quite, but very similar

 

[SDguy]

Does anyone have a good link for ID'ing urchins?

 

[rssjsb]

Lytechinus variegatus are terrific algae grazers, but they will move things around. Even the small ones will pick up unsecured frags and carry them around.

 

[plateboy3293]

I keep diadema and the blue tux they are both great at getting rid of hair algae.

 

[SDguy]

My friends and I have Salmacis bicolor (I think) and they are great. Relatively small, short spines, pretty, and they don't "wear" frags