Thoughts on Sea Urchins

Jenz · Jul 16, 2016

Hi all.

Some general Urchin questions as considering placing a single Blue tuxedo into a 90gal display. Nb fish species chosen as far as I believe aren't known to consume them, oh unless they turn rogue!

How old do you encourage the tank to be before introduction? As consumers of algae, do you supplement feed them if levels are felt to be low and what with? Do you reduce the snail population of CUC to reduce risk of them starving?

Thoughts and comments most welcome!!

Thanks in advance

Maddlesrain · Jul 16, 2016

I had a tuxedo urchin for about 2 years before it died a couple months ago. I'd wait until at least the six month mark, but a little longer would probably be better to make sure everything is pretty stable. I can't comment on supplemental feeding because I seem to always have a bit of algae

but if you have absolutely none, I'd add some nori at least a couple times a week.

I have two long spines and two rock boring urchins now and like both of these a lot as well. I've never had a problem with any of my urchins being eaten or eating anything other than algae.

Kershaw · Jul 16, 2016

I agree I would wait until coraline takes over. That what mine eats all day. I have a Halloween urchin or royal urchin I don't really know what it is.

Tahoe61 · Jul 16, 2016

I feed mine Nori attached to a mag float, but I would wait until the tank has aged enough for coralline algae growth.

cmcoker · Jul 16, 2016

Had 2 tuxedos in a 55g,now in my 120g. Agree to wait until you have corraline algae, they do munch on that as well as other algae.
Didn't reduce my snail population, I don't supplement but have always seen them munching on something.