Emerald Crab Question...

[oakleerulez]

Hey Guys!
I read that Emerald Crabs need a "mature" tank. Could anyone elaborate on this?? Like what qualifications does ur tank have to meet to be considered "mature" and why these crabs need a tank to be mature.......cuz i was thinking of putting one in our new 24g nano cube

.....do you think that would be alright?

 

[m0nk]

Emerald crabs are basically algae eaters, but they require more than a snail since that's really all they eat. Established basically just means there is algae for them to pick off the rocks all day, sorta the way a tang grazes...
I would think you could put on in your tank if it's been running for at least 5 or 6 months, that's about how long it would take to build up a sustainable amount of algae for one single emerald to graze on.

 

[rcoultas]

a mature tank is one that has been running consistently for several months with stable conditions and good signs of growth like coraline. The crabs are pretty sensitive inverts and spend most of their time picking at the growth on live rock that is often not present in newer systems.

 

[oakleerulez]

ok thanks guys! that's exactly the info i was looking for!!I'll definitely wait a few months before getting one then and make sure I have lots of yummie algae

Thanks again! Everyone on here is just so great!!