Starving an Urchin?

Osaka-san · Apr 25, 2011

I am considering shutting down the smaller of my two tanks and combining the livestock. One concern I have is putting two urchins in the same tank. How would I know if I am starving them? What signs point to starvation? I dislike algea in the tank as it is and wont to let the tank be dirty just to support the urchins - I'd rather find a new home for the urchin. The tank is 70 gal and the two urchins in question are about the size a tennis ball or a little smaller.

xmetalfan99 · Apr 25, 2011

Osaka-san said:
I am considering shutting down the smaller of my two tanks and combining the livestock. One concern I have is putting two urchins in the same tank. How would I know if I am starving them? What signs point to starvation? I dislike algea in the tank as it is and wont to let the tank be dirty just to support the urchins - I'd rather find a new home for the urchin. The tank is 70 gal and the two urchins in question are about the size a tennis ball or a little smaller.

What type of urchins are they? I have seen some urchins devour all the algae in a tank and when not presented with enough food start eating corals. i would find a ne whome for the urchin.

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

Unless your tank is growing a lot of nuisance algae, you probably wont be able to support both of them. Im sure you could find a happy home for it with a local reefer.

Osaka-san · Apr 25, 2011

Akwarius said:
Unless your tank is growing a lot of nuisance algae, you probably wont be able to support both of them. Im sure you could find a happy home for it with a local reefer.

That looks like the best plan.:bigsmile:

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

I'd take it off your hands but urchins do a number on my frag bottom display.

Tabasco1 · Apr 26, 2011

If you are attached to the urchins, I kept my long spine for several years after he had eaten all the algae. I would supplement his diet with the algae chips meant for freshwater plecos. They sink so you can place them wherever you want and they don't move and don't foul the water. I'd put a half tab in and he would always find it. The hermits liked it too.

He was still around when I took the tank down and got a new home.