Tuxedo urchin help

[rpc07]

I'm not sure if I should sorry yet. I woke up today and noticed my tuxedo urchin had lost the top half of its spines. I am testing the water now and will post the results when I'm done.

 

[rpc07]

I decided to take a water sample to my lfs to cross check what I've been doing at home. Everything checks out except nitrates which I fear is the reason for the urchin loosing it's spines. I am preparing water for a largish water change now.

Here are the results
Ph 8.0
Phos .03
Amm 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 15-20ppm
Cal 400
Alk 8.4

 

[Nina51]

looks like it's a goner. once they get to that point, i don't think there's much you can do. and yes, high nitrates will do them in. do you have a qt or hospital tank? if so, you could move it there and rubber band a sheet of nori to a piece of live rock.

bummer because they are such cool creatures.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I've never seen an urchin come back from that kind of loss of spines, but that doesn't mean it can't happen or that you shouldn't try. Just be prepared for the worst. Sorry.

 

[rpc07]

I tried to spot feed it yesterday and it showed no sign of interest, as of now it is still moving around the tank grazing as if things are normal. Worst case scenario when will I know it's a goner for sure and take action?

 

[GimpyFin]

Definitely looks like it's on its way out, but I wouldn't give up yet. You'll pretty much know it's a goner when all the spines are gone and you just have the ball shell blowing around.

 

[rpc07]

As of now it's still moving around the tank as normal. I tried to spot feed with some nori but I'm not sure it was interested. I'm not giving up yet

 

[seymour47]

As of now it's still moving around the tank as normal. I tried to spot feed with some nori but I'm not sure it was interested. I'm not giving up yet

Keep a close eye on it. If you see it stop in one place and the rest of the spines drop off, that's when it's done. If it's still moving around, keep observing.

 

[nemguy]

Sea urchins are great indicators of water quality if they start shedding spines means something is wrong you should definitely get those nitrates down


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