Emerald crabs; friend or foe? (1 Viewer)

[CoralBeauty]

I have a bit of a bubble algae problem, brought in from a previous tank. Was advised to get some emerald crabs in there to help with that, I currently have 5, is that a good number for a 72-gallon bowfront? The bubble algae is less but there are still some rather large bubbles. Will they eventually get around to them, or do they only eat small ones? I do enjoy watching the little creatures work on the rocks.

Also, do they ever nibble on corals?

 

[padanky]

I have one, it is fine with what I have. I did get a frag of Zoas of craigslist that decided to melt on me, the Emerald started eating them before I got them out, just started tearing them apart and eating them. It hasn't tried anything like this since.

 

[CoralBeauty]

That's kind of why I was concerned. I wonder if he would have eaten them had they been healthy. Got one group of zoas in there, I'll keep an eye on them. Thanks!

 

[padanky]

I have zoa's, acan's, xenia's, etc. No problems. Just the ones were rotting and somehow the Emerald knew it..

 

[gabe_j]

Yep emeralds are good they help keep my tank clean of anything they think is unhealthy.

 

[CoralBeauty]

So glad to hear that, I kind of like the little guys.

Should I have more than 5?

 

[djreef]

I have zoa's, acan's, xenia's, etc. No problems. Just the ones were rotting and somehow the Emerald knew it..

The name of the game on the reef is "kickem' when they're down".

DJ