Emerald Crabs

[jonthefb]

ok, another question for all. Emerald crabs. In everyone's experience, do they gobble up the bubble algae like they are suposed to, or is this just a huge giant myth? I have a couple of bubble algae populations in my tank and my lfs just recently got in a shipment of emerald crabs. I was wondering if i should get one to clean up or if they are not as efficent as their reputation. any help is appreciated!
thanks all!
jon

 

[stupid_naso]

I have one in my tank, and I do have bubble algaes too. Now the problem is, my emerald is very3 small, it's smaller than a dime. So he's really slow, probably if you get a bigger one they'll work better. They do clean up other algaes though, and many have said that he's the best cleaner there is for bubble algae. I'd just get one if I were you, they are very entertaining. I saw mine doing couple of stunts, such as hanging with one claw on the lr. That's my experience .
stupid_naso

 

[shel]

I have 5 in my tank, they are great. They are a liitle slow but they do a good job. Like naso said they very entertaining to watch. I have one that thinks he is so tuff. He chases my decorator crab at times. I would get some.

 

[rapt0r32]

I would recommend getting a couple. Mine gives me some laughs but then there is time I am They have tore the SNOT out of my LR. Good cleaners... Just curious and devilish little beings

 

[josh]

Hi,
I too have had really good luck with my emerald! He is a riot to watch. He sees himself in the glass and starts posturing, claws all up in the air and just moves about. Also, he so far hasn't touched the corals and is keeping the bubble well under control. My only advise, as with all crabs, is to keep an eye on him
-Josh-

 

[mlm]

I have 4 in my tank although I have never had any bubble algea they do a good job at pulling hair off of LR. I do find that Trochus snails do a much better job at cleaning algea than any crab or anything at all. I got ten of them in my tank and since then I have 0 algea left. I feel bad for my Tang b/c he as nothing left to nibble at all day.

 

[twoods71]

I have 2 in my tank. I have no bubble algae but do have a little hair algae. They nibble at a little but very slowly.
I have various corals including polyps and they do stroll across them but do not harm them at all.
Good Luck !!!

 

[jonthefb]

THanks everyone, i purchased one the other day and he is already active eating all sorts of algae in the tank!
jon