help I�ve lost them
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Invertebrates
Forum Description: This is the place to ask questions about invertebrates.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5165
Printed Date: January 16 2026 at 5:30pm
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Topic: help I�ve lost them
Posted By: bugzme
Subject: help I�ve lost them
Date Posted: January 28 2005 at 8:58pm
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aLL my emerald crabs and peppermint shrimp have vanished. What would cause this? Please help! ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Replies:
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: January 28 2005 at 9:09pm
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pH problems? Or more likely high alkalinity problems? Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 28 2005 at 11:31pm
uhh...mortality? 
Is this upstairs or downstairs? Assuming your alk and Ca are good, are there any other crabs or grammerus left? ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: January 28 2005 at 11:58pm
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"Emerald crabs (of the genus Mithrax or Mithraculus) are omnivores, but often purchased as herbivores. For this reason they are often purchased by aquarists who are attempting to battle uncontrollable algal growth. In this situation, thse crabs have drastically different behavior from what they have in barren tanks, where the crabs are seen continuously feeding on the algae. In this regard, their growth and health is dependent upon the amount and availability of algae" "While an individual shrimp's health is not a good system indicator, its breeding patterns are. Most of these shrimp will spawn (at least when in pairs) every two weeks.... a lack of spawning indicates a problem" Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: January 28 2005 at 11:59pm
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By the way, I'm still not thinking that was the case with your tank. I think your tank is healthy, so I'm still leaning towards the pH/ALK shift. Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: January 29 2005 at 11:19am
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It's downstairs Mark. I just tested : cal490, alk6.4, ph7.8. I'm running reverse daylight on my refugium. ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: reptoreef
Date Posted: January 29 2005 at 11:31am
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Any major salinity fluxes??? ------------- www.captivereefing.com |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: January 29 2005 at 11:14pm
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Jeff- Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 30 2005 at 11:16am
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Okay, and what about your Hermit Crabs?
Slightly low Alk is part of the reason coupled with the increase in Bryopsis, low pH and who knows what else. When I was there you told me two things, that you were concerned with the reduced polyp extension and were planning to trade up to a bigger skimmer. Here are the points that come to my mind: 1. Increase Alk, conversely allowing the Ca to drop. Alk of 9-11 and Ca of 350+ would be the goal at this point, but don't move it that far too fast. Allow a week or two. It may not even reach those numbers but start the process and see where it goes. 2. Work on increasing pH. Do the test that JFinch recommends. Bubble it with an air stone using outside air or if you have no air pump, shake it furiously while outdoors to expose the sample to outside air and see what pH reading it gives. 3. Use some activated carbon and see if there is an increase in polyp extension within 3-4 days. 4. Rip out the bryopsis as much as possible and more frequently. I have a hunch, and it's just a gut feeling at this point, that B contributes to associated reef problems. It may be that it is toxic if it is the sole source of algae. I've seen other tanks that coudn't grow so well with a large growth of B. Have you contacted SSpargur yet about his experience with B? ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: January 30 2005 at 11:51am
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The hermit crabs seem to be fine. No I haven't talked to him yet but I will now. thanks ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 30 2005 at 12:51pm
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Well if the hermits are still kicking then the problem is not drastic, but IMO you are right to be giving this some attention for the long-term health of the system. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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