How do I feed the crabs?

[Bill P]

Not sure how long I will feel the need to begin with this disclaimer, but: I'm new at this.

So...I have a 30 gallon tank, with about 20 lbs of live rock. Sadly, Ich has overtaken all of my fish, and they are in a couple of quarantine tanks, where I hope they won't all die. That leaves 2 snails and 2 emerald crabs in my main tank, waiting for a month or so, while the Dreaded Spotty Plague dies off.

Here's my question: How do I feed the crabs?

Thanks!

 

[Hinds04]

Emerald crabs will eat of the rocks, I also give mine half of a thawed krill every now and then. I just hold it in front of him and he will take it.

 

[Bill P]

Thanks, Hinds04. How often do you feed the crab? At some point, won't they have eaten everything on the rocks? I don't imagine that crabs are particularly high-maintenance pets, but -- without any fish in the tank -- it somehow seems like I'm in danger of leaving them to fend for themselves on the surface of the moon.

 

[Hinds04]

They will eat the algae that continues to grow. 2 emeralds and 2 snails in that tank will never run out of food. You will want a fish in there though or your live rock will slowly die off with no ammonia source. I will feed him a 1/4-1/2 a krill once a week or so... just a little treat.

 

[melosu58]

I would add some food to the tank every 3-4 days not only for the crabs but that some will decompose to feed the nitrifying bacteria on your LR. Not alot but some.