I hate emerald crabs

[Arielneedscoralsanon]

What else is easy and will take care of green hair algae? Frankly, I don’t feel emeralds are even that great at it. They spend more time picking at my coral and parkouring around my tank. I tried big, I tried small, I hate them all. I want something else. I have a few blue hermits I don’t mind as much, but I need something with a bigger appetite I think. Is this an unpopular opinion or do you guys also experience these guys being absolute jerks in the tank?

 

[shanepike]

Mexican Turbo Snails have worked for me in multiple tanks.

 

[Cephas]

Agree w/ Shane. Snails - I have zero crabs. Be advised The Turbos are what happens when an immovable object encounters an unstoppable force. If it isn’t cemented down it will get pushed out of the way scape included . I have 3 that are larger than golf balls. They’re like those cities from Mortal Engines.

 

[Arielneedscoralsanon]

Ahh thank you for the inputs guys! I do have one turbo already that is pretty big, about golf ball sized like yours. Maybe I need to let go of some control, because the demolition and pushing stuff around is part of my issue with these guys already. I think I have to accept anything really worthy as far as clean up crew is going to leave its mark lol. My snail mostly knocks my frag rack around at most and stays on the glass(which is always filthy so I get why) and doesn’t really venture onto my rock or sand. It’s usually claimed by the hermits and emeralds too. Maybe with a few more snails they’d be more comfortable venturing out more. If I grab a few I’ll try to let you know how it plays out or if I end up with more vendettas

 

[Arielneedscoralsanon]

Oops just kidding what I have is a trochus! That explains it.

 

[Hunna]

Trochus are great ones to have as well. This is the largest one I have currently, and I have found at least 2 babies so far in my 40b

 

[Cephas]

Oops just kidding what I have is a trochus! That explains it.

I saw there is a bulk order being put together on a forum. Good opportunity. I’ve bought cleaners from that org before. They have great descriptions if you need info on what’s what.

The deep blue sea

 

[hzheng33]

i only have snails in my system. crabs will go after your snails if they develop a taste for them

 

[Cephas]

i only have snails in my system. crabs will go after your snails if they develop a taste for them

Preach it.

 

[Arielneedscoralsanon]

I’m not sure there’s anything the crabs wouldn’t take the opportunity to grub on lol. Thank you for the feedback guys!!! I will definitely take a look at that site, there’s gotta be a bottom feeder for everyone right? some of my corals especially my Duncan will snack on stray hair algae that ends up near them so I’m not in a huge rush. I’ll try to let yall know where I land!

 

[gill]

I will also add that after a few years, in an established tank, algae becomes less of an issue. So if your tank is relatively new, I would not worry too much because it will not always be this way.

 

[Cephas]

I will also add that after a few years, in an established tank, algae becomes less of an issue. So if your tank is relatively new, I would not worry too much because it will not always be this way.

 

[Arielneedscoralsanon]

I will also add that after a few years, in an established tank, algae becomes less of an issue. So if your tank is relatively new, I would not worry too much because it will not always be this way.

It’s actually around 5 years old so it’s pretty hardy and established, but the algae is too ha

 

[Milton Reefer]

Turbo snails and long spine urchins got me through the uglies in my 180 quickly, with no coral casualties.

 

[gill]

It’s actually around 5 years old so it’s pretty hardy and established, but the algae is too ha

In that case, watch nutrients and do manual removal (and maybe fluconazole, which loosens it up for easy manual removal). In my experience, a clean up crew can only manage once you’ve got growth down to a reasonable level.

 

[merajm3]

Agree our one emerald crab experience didn’t do much. I’ve had turbo snails a number of times but can’t seem to keep them alive. Best I’ve used are pincushion urchins. We currently have 2 and 1 of them has been with us for 6 months no issues. They do a good job with GHA.

My best luck with GHA has been through dialing in light effectively, brushing, and proper filtration. I had it virtually gone but adjusted lighting higher for a new CSB anemone and had an algae bloom. Another light adjustment back down and two more water changes over a month will hopefully get it back. Meanwhile, urchins are chomping away.

 

[Arielneedscoralsanon]

Agree our one emerald crab experience didn’t do much. I’ve had turbo snails a number of times but can’t seem to keep them alive. Best I’ve used are pincushion urchins. We currently have 2 and 1 of them has been with us for 6 months no issues. They do a good job with GHA.

My best luck with GHA has been through dialing in light effectively, brushing, and proper filtration. I had it virtually gone but adjusted lighting higher for a new CSB anemone and had an algae bloom. Another light adjustment back down and two more water changes over a month will hopefully get it back. Meanwhile, urchins are chomping away.

Oh interesting! I didn’t realize they’d help with this job! I’m not sure my current set up could handle an urchin, although I’ve been dying to give them a go. But I’m in the process of setting up a 40g breeder tank and then moving a good bit around, so maybe after that I can give these bad boys a shot!

 

[merajm3]

Two things to consider with pincushion urchins.

1. They can carry loose frags and shells of other cleanup crew on their backs.
2. May not be good for acrylic tanks because they may scratch the surface. (We have a glass tank)

Otherwise these have been the best for us.