is my urchin dying?

Fullofit343 · May 13th, 2009

I noticed today that there was a trail of my urchins spines. a good amoutn. he's still moving around (not moving from place to place but his spines are moving like normal) i'm not sure if it's normal for them to shed their spines or if this is a sign fo them dying? can someone help me?

cerianthus · May 13th, 2009

Sorry! Usually, not a good sign. Is it just few or good amt of spines (alot) next to their exoskeleton? Any pics?
Could it be Niger Trigger if still in the tank?

Fullofit343 · May 14th, 2009

No i actually discovered it was the nitrites. they're pretty high. i'm going out and buying some live bacteria to add to the tank today so hopefully that'll take care of the issue

cerianthus · May 21st, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fullofit343

No i actually discovered it was the nitrites. they're pretty high. i'm going out and buying some live bacteria to add to the tank today so hopefully that'll take care of the issue

I doubt it was little NO2 which will pose threat/cause death to urchin. I've cycled tanks using Inverts w/ no ill effect (of course would not peak to max).
Why are you having problem with NO2 now? I thought you have LR. NO2 shouldnt rise unless way overfed/way over stocked at once.
Check to see if eating enough. Possible insuficient/inadequate dietary problems.

Fullofit343 · May 22nd, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by cerianthus

I doubt it was little NO2 which will pose threat/cause death to urchin. I've cycled tanks using Inverts w/ no ill effect (of course would not peak to max).
Why are you having problem with NO2 now? I thought you have LR. NO2 shouldnt rise unless way overfed/way over stocked at once.
Check to see if eating enough. Possible insuficient/inadequate dietary problems.

No live rock, Just live sand. The no2 has been up for 3 weeks now. I added some live bacteria and still nothing. The people at the LFS said to wait another week and see how it goes. Not sure my yellow tang's gonna last that long

cerianthus · May 24th, 2009

How bad is the NO2? For this reason, I personally did not believe in Live Sand, especially packaged LS. If it takes 3-4 weeks to control NO2, that means tank was never established/cycled to begin with.
Depending on the level, you can do small PWC and cut down on feeding.
Hope things settle soon w/o any further difficulties/problems!

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