Bubble algae=emerald crab?

[Delphinus]

It can spread very quickly in some conditions, completely overwhelming a tank (rock, powerheads, etc.) I had it so bad in my 90g I ended up tearing down my tank. I had snails that were double the size, roving valonia colonies.

As for emeralds ... It's a crapshoot (crabshoot) ? To an extent anything with claws is of questionable character .. for the most part, however, emeralds are regarded are fairly benign (i.e. safe). For the most part.

Having said that, I kept buying emerald after emerald and they wouldn't touch the valonia. Apparently some are really good at eating it, but it's luck of the draw.

I did get lucky in that in another tank, I have a Red Sea sailfin tang and he loves the stuff. So my valonia problem eventually got solved ... no thanks to the emeralds.

It's worth a shot, but just thought I'd share my experience with them. You might get lucky..

[MikeP]

Yeah, I guess it's better to try it out in my small tank anyway, I'd hate to try and retrieve a crab out of my 190g when I get it set up. I have heard lots of mixed results with emerald crabs but at least in the small tank it would be relatively easy to get a trouble maker out.

Thanks Tony

[kari]

The emerald crabs I have seen lately go savage on valonia.

[oilfieldsafety]

I have a 30 at work that the Valonia was getting out of control in. I picked up 2 Emeralds 2 and a half weeks ago from Neil and now I can't find a single bubble.

Shane