need a crab for algae

[Jewells]

My 12g nano reef is in need of some type of crab to get algae out of the crevices. I have a Blotch Snail in there though and I don't want it to get eaten. Does anyone have any recommendations? I currently have 2 Bluegreen Chromis, A black Turbo snail and a pepp shrimp. Live rock, live sand and all my water properties are good.

 

[pugcrush]

emerald crab...they're a ton of fun to watch, when they do come out.

 

[Jewells]

Thanks for the reply, I have been reading a lot about them too and am almost convinced that is my best choice.

 

[kcreefer86]

I would not go with an emerald..short term, yes, but long term no...chance of them eating fish and corals when bigger...have seen it and experienced it. my 2c

 

[Jewells]

I would not go with an emerald..short term, yes, but long term no...chance of them eating fish and corals when bigger...have seen it and experienced it. my 2c

Thank you for your input, I will keep that in mind as well.

 

[mmenz22779]

jwells look at my post, i am learning the hard way on emeralds http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16796230#post16796230

I am thinking of trying to get them out of the tank and trade them in at my LFS if i can catch them. If not then i am not sure what to do.

 

[Jewells]

jwells look at my post, i am learning the hard way on emeralds http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16796230#post16796230

I am thinking of trying to get them out of the tank and trade them in at my LFS if i can catch them. If not then i am not sure what to do.

Thats funny you should post that. I was sitting here thinking about the crabs in the ocean and what scavengers they were and how destructive they can be and thought, why would this crab be any different. Kind of makes me worry about having any kind of crab at all. (They eat fish too) :idea: Soooo, I got to looking at the Bi-color Blenny. It is a cute little fish and I wouldn't be worried about my pepp shrimp getting ripped to peices. After all who cares if there is some algae in the crevices the Blenny can probably get to places the snail cant. Thank you for sharing that with me too, definately helps me make up my mind even more.

 

[mmenz22779]

I went ahead and captured my 5 emralds and am going to return them to the fish store. I keep 1-2 and see how they do. I did get rid of the aggresive one as one of the 5.

you can see the pics of the captured here http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16801315#post16801315

 

[swigen]

I have a single emerald in my 50 gal with no problems. Its constantly on the move and in the open. I think if it ever became a bad neighbor, capturing it would be easy. I also have hermits with snails without problems...just feed them. I don't believe they are predators by choice but will give it a try if the need arises.

 

[mmenz22779]

to capture mine i put a bit of shrimp in a glass and put it on the flow and BAM the crabs went in for dinner.

 

[Jewells]

Very nice. Now you can relax a little with them out of there I bet. I got a Bi-color Blenny today instead of a crab.

 

[mmenz22779]

My blenny is fun to have. He loves to get on top of my GSP and look at you.

 

[Jewells]

This one sure is a character took it a couple days but he seems to be getting more and more active now. Still likes it on top of the heater though, till I can get all that covered or out of the tank. But he does come down, swim and eat throughout the day.

 

[mmenz22779]

you guys think 2 algea blennys are to much for my tank givin i also have about 30 CuC? inlcluding 7 turbos?

 

[Jewells]

you guys think 2 algea blennys are to much for my tank givin i also have about 30 CuC? inlcluding 7 turbos?

This is my first tank but I have read that 75g and up is the recommended way to have 2 of the same genre in one tank unless they are a pair. You may want another opinion from someone who has been there done that though.

 

[J. Montgomery]

For a 12 gallon nano, I'd say a single hermit crab. Maybe two, like one scarlet and one blue leg.