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View Full Version : Sea Egg (urchin, Tripneustes spp) not good for reef tank?


Reefcan
01-15-2009, 03:19 AM
LFS sold me 2 Sea Egg (urchin, Tripneustes spp) to control the algae growing in my 3 weeks old reef tank. They didn't clean out much algae. I checked <A PocketExpert Guide: Marine Invertebrates> said they are not suitable for reef tank!
Anyone here can get me a ensure answer? Thanks.

Chowder
01-15-2009, 03:49 AM
I have one in my tank. The problem with them is they get large and like to move through your corals and dislodge them from there purches. Mine occasionally has zoas , Sps frags and other polyps and rocks attached to it. This weekend it was moving around the tank holding onto a 4" piece of egg crate and knocking over everything in sight. It won't really harm anything but will move the unmounted and some mounted pieces around your tank. The odd piece will get lost in the rock work.

Chris

Reefcan
01-15-2009, 03:52 AM
Thanks! Chowder!

Anyone want the dang thing ?! Take them away from me!!! ..................

Chowder
01-15-2009, 04:00 AM
They are hit and miss for cleaning algae. I had this one in my old tank that did a good job on some hair algae . If it is small like 2" and under I would hold onto it. Mine is 3" now and it is my wife favorite thing in the tank. Needless to say it is staying. It really has about one insedent a week where it nocks something loose or is wairing a zoa hat.

Chris

Chowder
01-15-2009, 04:01 AM
Forgot to mention they do a great job at removing coraline algae. This is mostly what they feed on.

Chris

Reefcan
01-15-2009, 04:08 AM
What I want is coral and fish, not the urchin.
Does your wife like to get 2 more in your tank? :-)

Chowder
01-15-2009, 04:27 AM
I'm sure she would but I won't allow it.:biggrin: