Feather dusters and shrimp?

[ka0z4allu]

I got a peice of base rock from my lfs and it had several tiny feather dusters on it. As soon as I put it in the tank my peppermint shrimps went and picked off the tube and ate it leaving the feather dusturs to be sucked up in the filter. My question is if I buy a large feather duster, will the shrimp be able to do the same to these larger ones, or will their tubes be strong enough to withstand the picking of the shrimp?

 

[sagxman]

I doubt the shrimp will mess with a large duster. My shrimp don't mess with the small ones, but I've heard they will from time to time.

 

[smickied]

Be careful

pepermints will go after large feather dusters (I'M NOT SAYING ALL PEPS WILL but) I had two in my tank that killed every feather duster that i put in their... (And the shrimps were well feed).
I'm just saying, if they are already eatin the small feathers I'd bet on them eating a larger.

 

[ka0z4allu]

Thanx for the advice. I read somewhere that the tube is made up primarily of waste products and sand which I guess explains why the shrimp ate the tube. I thought that maybe larger duster tubes might be a little stronger than when they are small. I love watching my shrimp so I guess I will give up on the thought of buying a duster for now. At least until I get a larger tank.

 

[patfromore]

I have a C.B. Shrimp that cleans the feathers of my Feather Duster and he doesn't mind one bit. the same Duster plays tug-o-war with a Haition Anemone, and thats funny to watch.