Substitute for Emerald crabs and bubble algae?

[_cpate3_]

Bubble algae is slowly taking over the tank after I got rid of my Dino’s. Obviously keeping parameters in check is one way to stop it but what inverts will eat bubble algae other than emerald crabs? For some reason crabs die very fast in my tank and the last emerald crab I had died in 1 day. are there any alternatives that will pick at the bubble algae?

 

[JayM]

I’d recommend a Foxface if your tank is big enough. Mine wiped out a moderate infestation within a few days.

 

[Fritz05]

I have often read that Pitho crabs work. But the ones I bought from Reefcleaners unfortunately died quickly.

 

[areefer01]

Pitho's work well and are small. Of course each hobbyist experiences may vary but they are often recommended. Small size too. Different.

Manual removal is also recommended. You can reach in, pinch, and pull. Rumor is that it will release spores. There is no concrete facts to support this and is typically viewed as a mind story. So pinch, pop, and remove what you can. Let the Pitho's and emeralds do the rest.

Only buy utility fish and cleanup because you want them. That way if they don't do what you purchased them for you still have them because you like.

 

[dschuffert]

I have a Foxface and four large Rabbit Fish that love to eat bubble algae. I don't have any in my display tank. What does seem to continue to grow in my sump, I simply remove and drop in my display tank, and they consume it all right away.

 

[_cpate3_]

Only a 30 gallon so no fox face… I’ll look at the pithos

 

[legionofdoon]

Pithos also will keep your sand turned over. Mine stay under the sand during the day.

 

[doubleshot00]

Only a 30 gallon so no fox face… I’ll look at the pithos

Manual removal and emeralds. I have one in each of my nanos.

But if inverts are dying after one day you may have another problem.

 

[_cpate3_]

Manual removal and emeralds. I have one in each of my nanos.

But if inverts are dying after one day you may have another problem.

It’s weird because it’s not inverts ONLY crabs. I’ve had anemone crabs that lasted like 1 week, the emerald crab lasted a day, but I still have a snail that I’ve had since I’ve setup the tank, conch that’s doing good, and urchin that’s always out, and lots of snails. So it’s only crabs I have an issue with

 

[eliaslikesfish]

i’ve heard rabbit fish, fox faces, and yellow tangs wipe out bubble algae

 

[legionofdoon]

I know rabbits and fox faces do. Just make sure you have a cover they like to jump, also if you get stuck by one hot water is your savior.

 

[VintageReefer]

2 pithos crabs ate all my bubble algae in a month then started eating acans, hammer and torch…