Are all Emerald Crabs the same? Looking at Reefcleaners

joe-ejs · 2026-10-15T15:06:03-0400

Hello. I need to try and get rid of some bubble algae using Emerald Crabs and Pitho Crabs. Reefcleaners says they guarantee that their Emerald Crabs will eat Bubble Algae. Not sure how they can guarantee that, but it does create the question if there is a specific Emerald Crab that is needed to eat the bubble algae.

any experience or advice would be appreciated.

JTP424 · 2026-10-15T15:15:35-0400

I'd personally go with Pitho crabs, I'd say I've had hit or miss with emeralds, and the Pithos I've gotten from Reefcleaners are VORACIOUS. Decimated my algae infested tank in a few weeks.

13rodo · 2026-10-15T15:17:01-0400

+1 for Pitho

kevgib67 · 2026-10-15T15:34:26-0400

In over 20 years emerald crabs have never failed me but all the talk of pithos over the years they seem to work quiker. If I ever need to I probably would try the pithos.

Baldyreef · 2026-10-15T15:52:03-0400

one more vote for pithos

SlothMartin · 2026-10-15T15:52:38-0400

i got one single emerald from reefcleaners, put him on a rock and never saw him again. not sure if hes still hiding in there or what

Fish Fan · 2026-10-15T16:13:24-0400

No, you simply must get your Emerald crabs from ReefCleaners. ReefCleaners is the only vendor that guarantees that their Emerald crabs will eat bubble algae. You're taking a huge, huge gamble getting Emeralds from anywhere else, or trying another crab for bubble algae.