Do Sea Urchins poison the tank if they die?

jw1977

Member
I just purchased a Sea Urchin at my LFS. They're pretty cool looking. The lady at the LFS told if they die they do not poison your tank. Is this true? Do they or do they not poison the tank if they die.
 

ophiura

Active Member
They are not toxic, no, but they will cause an ammonia spike.
Water conditions and acclimation are very important to urchins like their relatives, seastars.
 

burch2006

Member
like said before urchins will not poison your tank when they die, but do cause an ammonia spike, but some kinds of urchins themselves can be poisonous (black spiny). Urchins are a great addition to FOWLR tanks, as they can be very colorful. Mine are extremely active and always have unique personalities. Mine like to wear empty (and sometimes not
) crab shells on their head. I have one that will wear the crab shells all around the tank. The best is when he picks up shells that have crabs in them and then I watch the crab struggle to avoid being picked up. I had a crab ride around on the urchin for 3-4 days. As long as you keep up with your water changes they will be healthy and happy. They rarely need fed, and they are very peaceful with other creatures.
 
ANEMONES. they do for sure. i lost a whole 55 gallon reef tank from one.
but the clown fish and a bunch of starfish, and an urchin survived so i wouldnt know. ive had my urchin for two years!
just thought i would share that
 

sk8shorty01

Active Member
I had a rose bubble tip die while I was on my honeymoon in my 55 gallon and I didnt have anything else show signs of ill effects. I dont know that the anemone "poisoned" the tank, I would say your crash was probably from an ammonia spike, which killed a few things, which caused more ammonia, which killed more, and so on....
 
yeah but either way im not buying anemones for my clown fish anymore. i put an xenia where theirs was. they played and bounced in it as much as the anemone. but yeah the tank got really cloudy when it died.
(by the way anemones smell HORRIBLE dead) haha
 
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