Short spined urchin losing a few spines

[Marchillo]

From what I've read this is a bad sign. I'm hoping they molt in some way. I've read this is from starvation or bad water quality.

I don't believe the water quality is bad. My nitrates are less than 5, no ammonia or nitrite. Alk is about 8.5, calcium 430, mag 1285. It stays in one Rock structure which is pretty low on algae at this point but the other structure has plenty. He just hasn't ventured that way. This Rock structure has been his home for 6 weeks now. Before that he stayed on the glass. SG is 1.025. Any thoughts? I do 15% weekly water changes with a high bio load. So is shedding a few spines normal or a sign of stress?

Thanks - Steve

 

[BrianKC]

I have five urchins; one pincushion and 4 long-spine. They all drop a spine from time to time. Your question is kind of like a guy asking if losing some hairs means he's going bald...are we talking a couple spines or is there like a pile of them under his hidey hole?

 

[Marchillo]

I have five urchins; one pincushion and 4 long-spine. They all drop a spine from time to time. Your question is kind of like a guy asking if losing some hairs means he's going bald...are we talking a couple spines or is there like a pile of them under his hidey hole?

There's about 5 but less than 10 I'd say. When lights go out he's on the move a bit but within his comfort area. Lights just went down and he's moving around. I may have noticed 1 or 2 before but noticed like 3 more in a spot near his hole.

I guess I'll worry more if tomorrow I see them multiplying all over the place.

Thanks for the response. I don't know why he won't venture to the other Rock structure. He's got a huge buffet waiting for him.

 

[BrianKC]

There's about 5 but less than 10 I'd say. When lights go out he's on the move a bit but within his comfort area. Lights just went down and he's moving around. I may have noticed 1 or 2 before but noticed like 3 more in a spot near his hole.



I guess I'll worry more if tomorrow I see them multiplying all over the place.



Thanks for the response. I don't know why he won't venture to the other Rock structure. He's got a huge buffet waiting for him.

Lent just started...is he fasting?

 

[Marchillo]

He's definitely missing spines on one side. Almost like a small bare spot on a Christmas tree. Like I said lights are very dim right now and he's active. Could lights be too bright? I have a temporary thick screen on my tank while I try to put together a brs screen top. I have one Zoa frag not doing great so I assume lack of light so my radions are jacked up pretty high. But would that impact the urchin? He hides in the live rock during the day. If he's trying to squeeze into a spot could spines break off? I've also had a small algae outbreak due to increased feelings with the addition of some Anthias. What a crazy balancing act. I may move my two frags to my smaller tank and lower the light intensity. It's tough to find a good balance. Also not sure how much light is being diffused.

 

[BrianKC]

I'm not sure how to answer several of your questions but I wouldn't implicate light into this issue.

 

[Marchillo]

Ok that helps. I know he tries to stay out of the light so I didn't know if trying to cram into small spaces causes them to break off. Sorry if that sounds stupid. He's definitely very active still.

 

[Sk8r]

Check your alkalinity. Range should be between 7.9 and 8.3, up to 9 for some apps, but generally not.