Decisions Decisions Decisions

jberd · 03-23-2007, 05:28 AM

Would like some advice as to what is the best urchin for a reef or if there is such a creature. Any a thought as to a good one? What have your experiences been with these little spiny creatures.

tims · 03-23-2007, 06:35 AM

good morning,
it all depends on the size tank you have, Take a look at this talk we had on some of them a while back, they are in the last part of the talk.
the most common you will fine out there for you talk is the Long black spiny and the black ( purplish looking ) spiny urchin.

Loverotties · 03-23-2007, 06:54 AM

I can't help,because I don't like them because they knock things over as they go around.

crvz · 03-23-2007, 08:29 AM

I've always like the tuxedo urchins.

ILLBKING · 03-23-2007, 10:39 AM

The collecter urchin I have has never done any damage or nocked anything over in 18 months.

JY13131 · 03-23-2007, 10:49 AM

That is my urchin and I am almost always pulling loose rocks, corals, snails and hermit crabs off of him!

But he is part of the family now!

scoop · 03-23-2007, 10:59 AM

I have had a Tuxedo Urchin in my 28 gl for almost 2 years and have had no problems (it is an acrylic tank and the Urchin doesn't hurt the acrylic, either.) I also have a small white urchin w/ purple spines in my 5 gl that I have had for almost a year and it has done great and causes no problems. I think they add some color, are a little unusual, relatively inexpensive, and easy to care for.

JY13131 · 03-23-2007, 11:09 AM

And sometimes mine picks up a big piece of some greens and he looks like he has BIG HAIR!!

jberd · 03-27-2007, 02:52 PM

Thanks people for all your help that link was quite interesting. I have picked up a pencil urchin and it is pretty cool. He is about 2-3 inches and is like a concrete mulcher. He leaves a clean trail behind on the rocks as if you took a grinder to the live rock. We will see how he does. I will try to get a pic up tonight after work.