Can urchins out-compete snails???

[Gouramiboy9142]

Hey, everyone! I've been reading up on everyone's opinions on the best CUC members, and I've seen many an aquarist raving about some of the smaller urchins (Tuxedo and Halloween, to be precise) and their algae-devouring abilities. Seeing other aquarists keeping these little guys with algae-eating snails, such as Trochus Snails, I was wondering if it is possible for these Urchins to consume a little too much algae and leave not much left for the snails? This doesn't seem the case, but just wanted to know so no animal in my aquarium starves. Thanks for all replies!

- Diego

[Sniperhank]

I've owned lots of snails and urchins. I liked having an urchin, but they don't out eat other algae eaters, large mexican turbo snails, sea hares, tangs...

At the end of the day, there isn't a need to have a clean up crew much at all if one is taking care of their tank with their parameters in check.