Urchin Problems

[mandingo]

I have a pincushin, Pencil and a purple urchin and I really enjoy them. For some really for the last two days their not doing to good. Their moving around much less and and they have spines falling of. My levels, Salt, Light and temp are all fine. Any one have any suggestions and how do I know if their still alive if I don't see them moving??? Any One

 

[clarkiiboi]

It don't sound good. When spines fall off that could be the end. List your parameters and did you recently do a water change or anything different?

 

[mandingo]

YES I did a water change the day before the strange behavior occured. All paramettrs look good.

 

[clarkiiboi]

That could be the source. I know inverts are sensitive to any sudden shift (water added too fast, a sudden change in salinity, temp. swings, etc). Is there enough algea for them all to eat, if not do you supplement them with anything? Hunger could be another reason. Acclimation could be also. I am just going on what I know in general, I do not know specifics about urchins. I'm hoping this will get the attention of an experienced urchin keeper. But HTH some--did they make it?

 

[bang guy]

Your symptoms indicate a salinity lower than 35ppt.

 

[beachhouse]

Hi everyone,
I know that I'm new at this, but isn't 35ppt a little on the high side?
I have been keeping my tank around 30ppt, just like it says on my Hydrometer.
Is 35ppt what is required for inverts?

 

[jacknjill]

no 35 isnt too high. its reccomended about 31ppt-36ish

 

[bang guy]

I recommend 35 - 37ppt. That's what the typical tropical reef is.

 

[jacknjill]

yeah i meant like fowlr. my reef is about 36

 

[ophiura]

I agree with Bang Guy....and, IMO, if you are going to be "out of range" for inverts, higher is better than lower anyway. Fish only systems are often kept at lower salinities. Often the logic is that it helps kill off parasites, which are inverts. So you can see where this would cause trouble for inverts you may wish to keep.
Urchins are relatives of seastars, so everything one hears about issues with acclimation and sudden salinity fluctuations applies. If you introduced them within a month, then it could still be acclimation shock. If not, and you did a big water change, it is quite possible that something changed to suddenly for them.