Shrimp babysitters

[gingerbeer01]

I got some few week old cacatoides fry and threw them in the CRS tank. Idea is that they look after them and keep the tank clean - heard of people using them to clean L number eggs - so why not.

[swampy1972]

I've got some younger Rams and Apistos in my CRS tank. There's heaps of cover for the shrimp though.
You can tell the cichlids know they should be going after the shrimp but at the moment they're still a bit unsure, but it won't be long before they work it out.
I wouldn't keep them in there for too long if there isn't plenty of cover for your shrimp.
Post up some pics so we can see your new Cacs'.. ;)

[Rod]

I have shrimp(local glass shrimp) and snails in all my tanks
I prefer them as scavengers....rather than fish that occupy the same strata
Some tanks the shrimp don't do as well....predation I assume?
but I just keep stocking those tanks from the tank that do do well

Female apisto's never let snails anywhere near their fry....
any that get close are soon picked up and moved out of the way
Never seen a shrimp anywhere near eggs or fry

[TW]

Rod, how large are the fish you have with the shrimps. Are the dwarf apistos the largest fish in with them?

I have always been tempted to add some to my discus tank (the well planted one) but I'm unsure whether to try it.