Sea Urchins

[Crazy fishes]

I have a 24g that is actually being over run with macro algae.I am getting bored with every two to three days removing large chunks of it and thought that a sea urchin may be able to help. Is this a good idea??

Regards

 

[SkiFletch]

Well they'll get the job done. Just be prepared for the fact that in the process, they'll bulldoze any small rocks/frags not properly secured, and they'll eat coraline algae too...

 

[andywg]

Urchins really do bulldoze the tank. I am often tempted to feed my two (that the wife picked) into the tank with the puffer and trigger as they seem to target my frags once a week.

Add to this their propensity for picking up and carrying (and thus starving) hermits and you have something where the cure could be worse the ailment.

 

[Colin_T]

be greatful your macro algae is growing so well. By harvesting it regularly, you are actually removing the nutrients from the tank and keeping the water in better shape. A sea urchin will reduce the effectiveness of this by returning the nutrients back to the system once it eats the algae.

 

[steelhealr]

I agree with Colin. Although not fun, you essentially have a 'refugium' in your tank. I have kept my urchin now for almost 2 years...say goodbye to your coralline algae if you get it and you WILL get stuck on one of those spines at least ONCE in it's lifetime as you do tank maintenance. OUCH.

But I enjoy it. I enjoy feeding it. It has great colors, but, it will wreak havoc on the aquascaping. SH