Was this a bad move?

[k9BOLX]

I have just purchased 2 sally lightfoot and two Mithrax crabs. I have quite a lot of bubble algae in my tank and thought the Mithrax woudl take care of it. Then while I was looking the Sallies seemed that they would also work for food.

Now I have read alot of posts suggesting that they will get aggressive when they get bigger. I am worried that they will take my fish. I only have 2 clowns about 2-3 inches each and a yellow tang easily 3 inches.

My questions are what to feed the crabs to keep them happy? and surely if i feed them enough to keep them happy they will grow quicker, the quicker they grow the more they will need to eat, and there go my sleeping clowns.

[amcarrig]

They will get more aggressive when they get larger but they can be trapped and removed if and when that happens. Since crabs are opportunistic feeders, keeping them well fed will not do much to keep them from going after your fish if they are so inclined.

[rickzter]

Originally Posted by k9BOLX

I have just purchased 2 sally lightfoot and two Mithrax crabs. I have quite a lot of bubble algae in my tank and thought the Mithrax woudl take care of it. Then while I was looking the Sallies seemed that they would also work for food.

Now I have read alot of posts suggesting that they will get aggressive when they get bigger. I am worried that they will take my fish. I only have 2 clowns about 2-3 inches each and a yellow tang easily 3 inches.

My questions are what to feed the crabs to keep them happy? and surely if i feed them enough to keep them happy they will grow quicker, the quicker they grow the more they will need to eat, and there go my sleeping clowns.

I would refrain from feeding them. Sometimes they will develop bad habits when feeding them meats... then that's all they will want. Just let them clean your tank, once they start to become a nuissance, trap'em.

[crappyballer]

Originally Posted by rickzter

I would refrain from feeding them. Sometimes they will develop bad habits when feeding them meats... then that's all they will want. Just let them clean your tank, once they start to become a nuissance, trap'em.

any easy ways of trapping them?

[TinFury]

Yea grab them lol

[TinFury]

Oh the light foot is going to give you problems. There fast and hide in tiny spaces.. Try a little fish trap with some food in it.

[pooner]

glass set at a angle with food at the bottom, that is how i catch crabs that come in liverock.