Tuxedo Urchins :: Pros and Cons?

[jtma508]

Hi all. Over time we've seen a truly amazing population of tiny barnacle-like critters popping-up all over the back glass and LR of our 90gal. Would an urchin clear this stuff up? Do urchins climb the glass or only stay on the LR? Does anyone know if any of the LFS's have them?

 

[TheBigDrewsky]

We "adopted" a tuxedo urchin from a fellow BRSer about a month ago. He is an amazing creature. He climbs the glass, over live rock, on top of powerheads, over some mushroom corals, and he leaves a trail of super clean rock in his path. He carries bit and pieces of coral and tank debris in his spines, which I understand means he is a happy critter. He's great fun to watch and you'll never know where he is likely to appear next. I would guess that if you had a small tank with lots of delicate frags here and there, he might be tipping them over or moving them out of his way during his travels, but from our perspective, he's an interesting addition to our tank.

Andrew

 

[RayD]

I'm three years on the same Tuxedo Urchin. Love him!

 

[jtma508]

Sounds like just what I need. Now, does anyone have any suggestions of where I might find one locally?

 

[Mr.HaHa]

you can find a tuxedo urchin at pretty much any lfs.

i have had one for a year and hes been perfect. my friend BradS, however, his tuxedo urchin ate one of his montis.

 

[TheBigDrewsky]

I think JOhn, at Sea Creatures Aquarium in Providence may still have one....354-6477

 

[jbishop]

401 354-6477 for non RI people

 

[jtma508]

Thanks guys. I found one at CRA. He's acclimating as we speak.

 

[jbishop]

Contgrats on the new addition. Maybe some pictures?