Sea Urchins spines falling off

Are it's legs still coming out? Some spine loss is normal--they fall off and are replaced, but significant loss is a problem. How was it acclimated to the tank?

I'd guess that you're seeing shock--reaction to the sudden change from the LFS water parameters to those in your tank. No way to tell how if or how well it will recover--the fact that it's lost a lot of spines is not good.

Acclimation for invertebrates should be done carefully, by either a drip from the tank into a container with the organism, or by adding 1/4-1/2 cup of tank water to the container every 10-15 minutes, dumping half the water when you've doubled the original volume, repeat twice.

What are your nitrates? What corals are you thinking of getting? None of your fish are particularly reef safe...They may content themselves with a nip or two, or they may straight up eat anything your add. They may also be to blame for the urchins problems...especially the puffer.

ryrazzer said:

Ok thanks for the advise. Im going to change stockists cause the guy im using at the minute doesnt tell me any of this.
Thanks

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ryrazzer - there is a good chance that many stockists or lfs will not tell you everything and for a variety of reasons. sometimes they just dont have enough experience or knowledge to know.... sometimes they assume that the purchaser will know.. and sometimes they think they know but really don't - you've got to understand that many lfs stores will have capable employees who are wonderful when it comes to community fish...but the reality is that there are thousands of different creatures and variables that make it difficult for just one person to know it all about marine life.

it would be good practice to get on a forum like this right before you make a new purchase and use the search button to learn more about the creature you intend to buy. If you can't find anything helpful, then I would get into the marine newbie forum and specifically ask about the creature, its needs, acclimation and overall friendliness... it will save you some headaches later... and maybe some creatures too!

best of luck!

I think a tank almost always benefits from a skimmer. Removes potential pollutants, increases aeration.

I have seen urchins lose most of their spines (once due to a zoanthid spawn) and manage to recover completely. I worry that the puffer may keep if from recovering, though.

If you want to have corals, you may just want to get rid of the puffer. No point in adding good lighting if everything gets nibbled to death.

Thats a good sign of death soon........ Sorry