Sea Urchin Care
Sea urchins are native to coral reefs, where they play an important part of the reef ecosystem. Caring for them in a tank environment requires that temperatures, salinity, water level and aquarium environment replicated the coral reef as closely as possible. Specific care guidelines for sea urchins depend on species, so knowing the species will help to determine adequate amounts and types of food.
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Temperature
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The optimal temperature for sea urchins depend on its species. Some species require warmer temperatures, while others relatively cool temperatures. In general, though, sea urchins are accustomed to temperatures customary to tropical coral reef temperatures, approximately 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Salinity
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Sea water from the ocean is preferable for salt water tanks, but if you are creating a water environment with salt, it is best to use a commercial mix. Sea urchins are sensitive to salinity, and too high or too low a level is hazardous to its health.
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Food
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Sea urchins feed on algae, seaweed, giant kelp, laminaria or egregia. Their specific diet will depend on their species, however. Additionally, sea urchins are known to be big eaters, so keeping them well-fed is essential to their health.
Aquarium Environment
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Circulation and filtration is important in any tank. Without adequate circulation, toxins will build up and negatively affect the sea urchins. Ensuring that the tank is clean of waste and that there are is no decay or dead organisms in the tank will help sea urchins thrive.
Water Level and Tank Size
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Water level is measured in gallons. The proper size tank is most commonly described as one in which one gallon of water falls one inch high for a single sea urchin. Water level is important because it correlates to oxygen levels. Too much water or too little is detrimental to sea urchin health.
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References
- Photo Credit Sea Urchin image by vi from Fotolia.com
