Which shells would be best

[Frogyspond]

I am looking at putting shell dwellers from Lake Tanganyika into my new tank. It so happens from an art project of my wife's we have a few sea shells around the house.

I was wondering if the shells we have would work well and which one should I put in the tank. Do I need one per pair or for each one that I have in the tank. Also because the fish live in the shells do they do a good job of keeping it clean or should I have a few extras to change out from time to time.

Thanks for all your help.

I am having fun reading everybody's stories.

 

[Rlavassor86]

I am looking at putting shell dwellers from Lake Tanganyika into my new tank. It so happens from an art project of my wife's we have a few sea shells around the house.

I was wondering if the shells we have would work well and which one should I put in the tank. Do I need one per pair or for each one that I have in the tank. Also because the fish live in the shells do they do a good job of keeping it clean or should I have a few extras to change out from time to time.

Thanks for all your help.

I am having fun reading everybody's stories.

I would put quite a few small shells in. The males build piles with them and will keep a harem of females in his pile, each female with her own shell. There's a documentary called jewels of the rift. Has some great footage of shell dwellers and their behaviors.

 

[Rlavassor86]

The documentary can be found on you tube theres I think 6 videos total if bout an hour. Definitely worth watching.

 

[Frogyspond]

Thank you for the video, I enjoined watching the show

 

[Mogurako]

5 is about the only one that would be acceptable in my opinion. If you're really serious about getting shell dwellers use either escargot shells or Japanese trapdoor snail shells.