Inverts for my cichlid tank?

[titansfever83]

Here's what I got......

125 gal. w/ (7) geophagus, smallest is about 3"
Live plants, not many but some
MTS

Here's what I'm looking.....


?????????


LOL, sorry I'm not very educated when it comes to inverts. I'm looking for "something different" to put in my tank. something my fish will not eat and something that will not harm my fish or my plants. If the MTS are a problem, then I guess I could use a snail remover until all are gone and then introduce the "new ????", if you guys see the MTS as a problem with whatever you suggest I get. I seen a larger shrimp at a fish store a long time ago, he was like 2-3", and looked really cool, but i'm not sure how my geos would act with shrimp, maybe large ones would work???



SOOOOOOO, what you guys/gals think would bring me the most happiness during this holiday season???

 

[Galliente]

I saw a blue freshwater lobster although they are fairly pricey39.99 they grow fairly large and are a nice shade of blue. The ones at my local store were in with the cichlids and seemed co-op

 

[titansfever83]

Thanks Galliente!

My geos have beautiful long trailers and I may be wrong but I'm afraid a lobster might think it is a worm of some sort and well, maybe try to eat their trailers???? like I said, I'm a noob with inverts

I'm sure more people will chime in soon!

 

[Galliente]

no prob i deal with mostly oscars so my issue would be if the lobsters were eaten lol

 

[toddnbecka]

Generally speaking, cichlids + inverts = fat cichlids. Crayfish may last longer than other critters if they have sufficient cover, but ALL inverts molt, and they're vulnerable until the new exoskeleton hardens.
That being said, I've also seen ropefish (yes, those skinny, apparently harmles critters) take down adult "blue lobsters" and eat them, one piece at a time. A little research will tell you that crayfish are part of their natural diet, and size doesn't matter. Cichlids tend to be more opportunistic, but if you want to keep inverts alive and well it's simply best to keep them separate from the fish.

 

[Galliente]

so the blue lobster would pretty much be a waste of $$$

 

[toddnbecka]

Waste is a relative term, but a rather expensive meal most likely...

 

[6.5x55]

Humans pay alot of money to eat lobster in restaurants so, as a responsible fish owner, it's only fair you treat your cichlids to a lobster dinner occasionally .

 

[Galliente]

it is a pretty blue color too. so why not. it will just cost more than my fish thats eating it.

 

[titansfever83]

any other ideas, other than lobster???? Anyone had experience with some of the larger species of shrimp? Maybe some type of attractive and active snail??? keep in mind I have live plants


I have a handful of local caught minnows in the same tank. My geos don't even attempt anything, they are extremely mellow fish.