Pitho crabs for bubble algae
- Thread starter Miami Reef
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jhuntstl
Valuable Member
So the first batch I ordered from Reef Cleaners were from the Atlantic. Not even a week ago I got 6 more, but they are from the Gulf of Mexico. They are considerably larger.
They haven't had any issues with my fish. They are often in close proximity.
I got Emeralds as well. I believe a Pitho would win hands down. =)
Well, I don't want to lose my macro OR my sponges, so think the mighty pitho is out for me. Looks like it'll be manual removal!
Lyss
Valuable Member
Pulled this thread b/c I just added a pitho to my tank. I'd had one early last summer that didn't live very long, but it he was incredibly fun while he lasted b/c he was weird and liked to be hand fed. Anyway, my tank is MUCH more mature now and I've got issues with spreading bubble algae and ulva, so I picked up a new pitho. Well, it's just as weird as the first one, lol, and within the first hour I found it munching on bubble algae at the back of the tank, so that's a win.
Quick Q though -- I've seen a few folks talk about them eating bristle worms, which makes me a bit nervous for my feather dusters. Does anyone know if the pitho is likely to bother or hurt my dusters?
Quick Q though -- I've seen a few folks talk about them eating bristle worms, which makes me a bit nervous for my feather dusters. Does anyone know if the pitho is likely to bother or hurt my dusters?
I had one that lasted a good year and a half or so in a 40 cube. Never had bubble in there for him to experiment on but I wonder how far up rocks they will go to get at Valona
As to the bristle worms I haven’t heard one way or the other.
As to the bristle worms I haven’t heard one way or the other.
OH MY GOSH! How cute! This crab has now been added to my list. So many crabs and not enough tanks :disappointed-face::thinking-face:Prepare for Pitho spam.
mje113
Active Member
I'm so happy I found this thread. I saw a really small hitchhiker crab on some KP livestock that had something orange on his head. Checking the photos it has to be a pitho with a sponge or something there. Now I want more!
PR_nano
Valuable Member
I had one that ate bubble algae and was fun to watch.
https://www.reef2reef.com/data/video/1716/1716937-93e134f3579afde8c0d1b0b18c4af568.mp4
https://www.reef2reef.com/data/video/1716/1716937-93e134f3579afde8c0d1b0b18c4af568.mp4
jhuntstl
Valuable Member
Haha thanks!
They really are hard workers. I got two more the other day for the frag tank. One of them immediately latched on to some GHA and started to chow down.
They do seem happier with a substrate, though. I'm all bare bottom now and I do feel bad at times. :(
Lyss
Valuable Member
Here’s mine munching on a big clump of bubble algae. Has been very effective in just one day.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CemnFONhHe-/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CemnFONhHe-/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Clarkjw2002
Active Member
My feathers are multiplying in my biodiversity tank so the pithos don't seem to touch. I have 4 or 5 in there and the tank is a 40 Breeder. Not sure about the "normal" bristle worms that people refer to. They also don't seem to hurt the spaghetti worms, as they are multiplying as well.
They do bury themselves in the deep sand bed regularly, If I had to guess, probably whenever they are not out feeding. Tank is in the basement so I don't pay much attention except when I feed the tank and change the water.
SaltyCrew4u
Active Member
I have 3. About a week after having them my grail and 2 hammers started closing and looking rough. I trapped the 3 in my filter after the gril and 1 hammer died. Could be something wrong with tank or the crabs. Will they go after gonipora? I want to let then back out because they really eat all algae, but not at the risk of losing Goni or maxima. What are your opinions?
twentyleagues
5000 Club Member
I have 4 in my tank 1 female 3 males all have been model citizens for 6-8 weeks I have had them. Oh boy do they eat bubble algae too. I dont like crabs they very rarely do what they are supposed to do and usually mess with too much stuff. So far so good one these though.
SaltyCrew4u
Active Member
Honestly i don't want to blame them on my coral. Strange they went south when added. But they literally clean everything in the tank.
braaap
2500 Club Member
Mine have killed a plate coral. But it’s because they use them as a shelter during the day and hide under them. Not a big deal but if they hurt anything else they are going in the sump until the bubble algae comes back.
SaltyCrew4u
Active Member
They are great except when they don't wanna be. Maybe I'll just live with it.
braaap
2500 Club Member
Mine have almost completely eradicated my bubble algae. I have sat and watched them for 30+ mins just chow on the stuff. It is pretty cool.
I had one small frag come in with it. Soon as I noticed the bubble algae I tossed out the frag but it had already spread. These guys are saving my tank.
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