minthrax(emerald) for bubble algae

[scarf_ace1981]

i got a couple of frags that have bubble algae on them. of course when there is bubble algae in the tank most everyone gets an emerald crab. i think i will do the same but hearing all those crazy stories about emeralds attacking corals in the tank makes me nervous. cant i just place the crab and the frag w/ algae in one of those plastic critter boxes in my tank. this way he removes the algae but doesn't roam free to terrorize.

 

[chrisl1]

Emerald NO NO!

Stay away from the emeralds, I had a bunch of them cleaning my tank, after they were done they attacked my fish when the slept. I finally have none left, there is peace and fish with no missing body parts, I would pull the rock and scrub it to get rid of the algae. Make sure you have nothing feeding the algae, no overfeeding the fish, no extended lighting times, etc.


Hope this helps...
Chris

 

[pecan2phat]

Cali_reef had and still has some emeralds that after they got big, he watched them crush the tips of his SPS for food.

I also still have emeralds in my tank but they don't do squat for bubble algae.

On the flip side, we have a local reefer out here that is selling everything and getting out of the hobby due to a Foxface that he put into his SPS tank to control bubble algae. The Foxface eats bubble algae but also started to chew on the tips of his SPS. He lost over $500 in corals and is so fustrated that he tore down the tank. But that's an isolated case just like some reefers have luck with emerald crabs for bubble algae and some don't.

 

[jenniebutterfly]

i just leave bubble algae too me it makes things more natural, and mine have never gotten out of control

 

[GQ22]

a standard yellow tang should do the trick as mine ate the bubble algae on my rocks when i first set up my tank

 

[tonyyammine]

the emerald crabs are a waste they dont do nothing just try to keep your bubble algea controlled your going to have to remove them yourself

 

[Dmitry]

I concur with those who say "no no no!" I got one for my tank and he killed a molting Skunk (the first ever inhabitant of my tank) and then took a bite out of my Clown! The emerald was banished to my sump, though I haven't seen him in a long time. He probably died in there somewhere...:thrash:

 

[chrisl1]

NO Foxface either!

I would stay away from the foxface too, I went that route also, they are nibblers, he took out all of my GSP, I had alot, and to catch him hahah forget it, won't happen. Tangs,snails and water circulation are key.

 

[DevIouS]

Man.....now you guys tell me!:Yikes:


I recently got one, but he's been OK so far. I've been keeping an eye on him.
He hasn't touched some bubble algae I had that came on a rock.
He took care of some small patches of hair algae I had though.