losing spines

[raen]

My long spine black urchin is losing his spines on one part of his "body" What does this mean?

 

[greenbean36191]

It means the urchin is in bad shape. We need to know a lot more about the system to tell why. First of all we need to know all your parameters. Also, do you use RO water? Have you ever used any chemicals besides calcium or alkalinity supplements?

 

[raen]

I had system meltdoan last week. Alk was up above 30!!! Now down to 20, ammon 0, nitrates 0, trites 0, ph 8.2, salinity 1.025-6. Temp 78 on the money. He seemed to be fine after the melt down, not losing spines. I lost several inverts a week ago, and now he is looking bad. Is there anything I can do for him. I did a 30% change on last Sat, and since have been testing nicely, alk still high, but trending inthe right direction. Everyone told me to hold off on another water change, unless others in the tank looked bad. he is currently the only one.

 

[greenbean36191]

The recent problems are almost definitely the cause of the problem. The damage has already been done and the only thing to do now is try to keep your parameters in order.

 

[lancer99]

And don't forget to keep your salinity as stable as possible, especially while the urchin (hopefully) recovers.

-R

 

[racrumrine]

Over the years, (due to my own stupidity) I have had 2 episodes where my urchin lost most of its spines.

In both cases, I left it alone and put a nice piece of nori next to it.

Fortunately, it totally recovered within a few weeks.

Best of luck,

Roy

 

[raen]

So came home from work tonight, and UUUUHHHHHHHH he died! So sad! I hate the screw up and am so sad that he died because of my stupid mistake.