Urchin Questions

[TrevorHenry]

Considering adding a tuxedo urchin to clean up my algae in my tank. I have 3 crabs, 7 snails and 2 emrald crabs. They do eat it but it's still pretty bulk. My tank is pretty new (4 months) already producing coraline algae, but I used tap water and water conditioner for about 2 and half months. After I switched to rodi water my coraline started growing. I still have a decent amount and am considering a urchin to clean it up.

My only concern is that it will run out and die and I would really prefer that it doesn't pass quickly.

Suggestions?

My tank about a month ago it's not this dense anymore.

 

[donut0079]

I've had one since about 2 months in and he has been thriving. I haven't seen mine eat coraline yet but I have seen him plow through diatoms and red slime like a champ. I think one would be fine just beware if you are planning on coral you will prob have to glue frags down or they will become a hat.

 

[Nina51]

same here, if you want something to eat coralline, a pincushion is your guy.

in a newer tank, you can supplement with small pieces of nori every 2 or 3 days. urchins LOVE that stuff!

 

[LouisianaReefer]

I noticed my new tuxedo urchin eats just about any kind of algae. He also stays in one area too much. Will I cause injury if I gently wiggle the urchin to remove it and then put it in another spot? I read that certain inverts such as chitons can be harmed if moved too forcefully.

 

[Nina51]

if he's healthy and staying in one area, it means he's finding stuff to eat. i would just leave him alone to do his thing. he will move on his own. handling them can be stressful and there's really no reason to.

 

[LouisianaReefer]

For many months my tank has been overrun with a very tough overgrowth of turf algae. My one small, tuxedo urchin is eating all of this stuff had a rather rapid rate. I am so thankful for this wonderful little creature!

 

[Sounds Fishy]

I have one Tuxedo I got 3 years ago in my 220,and it's just him and 3 turbo snails maintains any algae growth.