Why did I put a decorator crab in my tank?

[rhitee93]

I put a decorator crab in my tank a while back because it seemed like an interesting addition to a cuc order I was making at the time. I almost never see it as it seems to hide in the rockwork during the day.

I also put a green star polyp in the tank a few weeks ago just to see how a soft coral would do. This is a fresh tank, and marks my 20-year return to reefing. I hesitated to put in the GSP because one of the reasons I got out 20 years ago was that my tank was overrun with the stuff. However, it is the most bullet-proof coral I am aware of, and I thought I'd just glue it to a rock out in the middle of the sand and I can control it that way.

I came in last week one day and the GSP was completely ticked off. Closed up tighter than a drum. I know my tank is a bit fresh, and I thought it may just be too early for soft coral, but it bounced back as bushy as ever.

Then today the decorator crab makes an appearance:

I guess my isolation strategy is kaput
What was that Jurassic Park quote about nature always finding a way?

 

[cdemoss01]

I put a decorator crab in my tank a while back because it seemed like an interesting addition to a cuc order I was making at the time. I almost never see it as it seems to hide in the rockwork during the day.

I also put a green star polyp in the tank a few weeks ago just to see how a soft coral would do. This is a fresh tank, and marks my 20-year return to reefing. I hesitated to put in the GSP because one of the reasons I got out 20 years ago was that my tank was overrun with the stuff. However, it is the most bullet-proof coral I am aware of, and I thought I'd just glue it to a rock out in the middle of the sand and I can control it that way.

I came in last week one day and the GSP was completely ticked off. Closed up tighter than a drum. I know my tank is a bit fresh, and I thought it may just be too early for soft coral, but it bounced back as bushy as ever.

Then today the decorator crab makes an appearance:

I guess my isolation strategy is kaput
What was that Jurassic Park quote about nature always finding a way?

Awesome!

 

[Miami Reef]

Honestly, so worth it! That looks so cool and interesting.

But in actuality, a portable GSP doesn’t sound like the best idea.

 

[Cell]

Just keep it trimmed and I don't think you will have any issues. GSP is one of the easiest "invasive" Corals to remove.

 

[kevgib67]

I’ve kept mine isolated on a rock island for about two years. Last week I came across this and swiftly removed it.