Crap. Urchins scrape acrylic don't they?

[Anonymous]

I didn't think this one through too well. Planned on adding my Diadema urchin to my 50 gallon tank....duh, it's acrylic. I can't do it right?

 

[Anonymous]

Well, you SHOULD be OK if you keep the acrylic free of coraline and such. However, just to be safe I got rid of mine when I consolidated everything into this arylic 150. I've seen what an urchin can do to acrylic on my buddy's tank, and it's not pretty. He let algae overgow the front panel, and didn't have problems before that. Still...I wouldn't chance it.

 

[Anonymous]

I've seen it on Tenecor tanks but not any made of the good stuff. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, I just haven't seen it. I know Chitons can do a number on acrylic but it's usually very low in the tank.

 

[fishfanatic2]

FWIW my urchin rarely goes on the glass, he prefers the rocks and sand. I agree with the above in that if you pretty much keep the glass clean you should be fine, however, I don't know if you want to risk it.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd have to agree with keeping the glass clean...urchins love coralline, and will gravitate to the areas that are the best feeding grounds. Mine does climb the back and side glass, but basically ignores the front, which is spotless and of no interest to him.

YMMV :lol:

Guy, that's an interesting avatar. The Nano build-off has inspired you to new heights, I see. :wink:

 

[radar!]

do you want to fish the urchin out once he has already done the damage? i have several different types of urchins and they chew on everything. one on my urchins has been in the one general corner for almost one year now; but that could change anytime as well.
IMO if he scratches the front glass, you're stuck with scratches. for me that would suck

 

[Anonymous]

I can always buff them out. I'm leaving it in for now, what the hey. I really like the way it looks. Next experiment...will Harlequin shrimp eat the tube feet of an urchin? Not so far, but stay tuned.

 

[Anonymous]

will Harlequin shrimp eat the tube feet of an urchin?

No. Urchins have the ability to retract the feet to be within their spines even if the Shrimp managed to flip the urching over (not likely). If you removed the spines I believe they would eat them though.