Emerald crab Yeah or Nay?

[ReefHog10]

I certainly don't have a massive outbreak of turf algae, but just enough to be irritating (Begins to grow up around zoa polyps, is in rock crevices, etc). In addition to 5 small fish, I have two tuxedo urchins and multiple hermit crabs in a 32 gallon cube as well as a variety of LPS/Soft corals. Tank is right at a year old, Nitrates stable 10-12 and phosphate stays 0.03-0.04. With it being a small nano tank, I'm not operating a refugium, algae scrubber, etc - just foam, chemipure, and standard cube filter and an ~ 20% water change weekly. I've heard pros and cons on adding an emerald crab to help with cleaning crew when it comes to them messing with fish and corals. Interested in everyones experience. Thanks in advance!

 

[blaxsun]

I've never had an emerald crab mess with any fish (always the reverse). The ones I've had in my tanks have always been reasonably good at clearing out nuisance algae (being primarily nocturnal). Try to get a female if you can (they're apparently less aggressive).

 

[vetteguy53081]

I certainly don't have a massive outbreak of turf algae, but just enough to be irritating (Begins to grow up around zoa polyps, is in rock crevices, etc). In addition to 5 small fish, I have two tuxedo urchins and multiple hermit crabs in a 32 gallon cube as well as a variety of LPS/Soft corals. Tank is right at a year old, Nitrates stable 10-12 and phosphate stays 0.03-0.04. With it being a small nano tank, I'm not operating a refugium, algae scrubber, etc - just foam, chemipure, and standard cube filter and an ~ 20% water change weekly. I've heard pros and cons on adding an emerald crab to help with cleaning crew when it comes to them messing with fish and corals. Interested in everyones experience. Thanks in advance!

I trust a politician more than I trust an emerald crab but if its a must - must be female

 

[codenfx]

I have 4 emerald crabs (not sure what gender), they keep the algae bubble at bay but saw one nipping at a zoa and acan, my other zoas and acans they have not touched however. Other than that, they haven't bothered my other corals.

 

[landlubber]

My experience has been like the others and have had ones that also ate bubble algae which is a bonus. I had no fish trouble but you really have to make sure your liverock is secure as they're strong and will push things around.

 

[ReefHog10]

Ok - the question must be asked -
How does one sex an emerald crab at the LFS? (I don't want to be seen as insensitive.. ha)

 

[Shibaken3]

Male vs Female Emerald Crabs

I heard female emerald crabs are smaller and less prone to attacking fish and eating coral. Is this true? What are your guys experience? Thanks and Happy Reefing!

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