Would like to start a shell dweller tank....advice??

[candacecook1025]

I have a 60 gallon community tank that I am loving (Come on, who couldn't fall in love with khuli loaches?) and two smaller betta tanks, and we are about to set up a tank for the ridiculous amount of guppies we have! But I really really REALLY want to get in to the world of cichlids! I hope to one day have a 100+ gallon for an mbuna biotope. But the hubby says not until we move to a new house so he doesn't have to move another *explitive* tank lol! Sooooo, I am really loving the idea of a smaller shellie tank. Anybody here into the shell-dwellers? I could use some advice on which fish would be best for what I want. I am going to get a 20 long probably...thinking about multis or occies. Would love some opinions about these or other species. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Oscar98]

Get two multis and about 6-8 shells. 2"+sand and a rock pile or two and your good.

 

[Gulfstream]

I don't have any experience with those two species but I have 5 kitabe brevis Juvies at the moment hoping a pair will form... I have also kept Redfin caudopunctatus before as well.. The redefines need a larger tank than the 20l.... The species you want are perfect for a 20l... If you are going multis I recommend covering the floor of the tank with shells... The more the merrier! Multis will take I've any tank you put then in. They breed like rabbits.. I don't know much about occies. I think they tend to be a little more aggressive towards each other during breeding. I don't think they require as many shells. Maybe 3-4 per fish. Hope this helps.

 

[Freakgecko91]

Multies are not pair bonding, they breed in harems. A 20 gallon could easily do a 8-individual strong breeding adult colony.

I have a small colony of multies, feel free to pm me with specific questions

 

[candacecook1025]

Thanks so much for the help! And freakgecko91, I will be sure to remember you when I need specific help! I actually found someone local who was wanting to rehome his entire multi colony WITH tank (woohoo!)! He actually had almost the identical setup I was pricing out so it was like fate...I am now the proud mama to a colony of adult multies and just before I went to pick them up he discovered the very first fry! They are settling in very nicely here, but I am sure I will have more questions soon. I already love these little guys and can waste...uh, spend...so much time watching them!

 

[Oscar98]

Awesome! Good luck!

 

[Gulfstream]

Show some pics when it's all up and running

 

[Oscar98]

Show some pics when it's all up and running

X2......

 

[Freakgecko91]

No problem! Feel free to pm away! Most of my knowledge of the species comes from personal experience with them as well as several hours of online research

 

[candacecook1025]

going to do another water change tonight (water is a tad hazy from moving the sand) so once it's all clean i will upload a pic.