10gal shellie tank log

[WaterPond]

Well, i was reading up on these awsome little fish last night after seeing them at the LFS. My 10gal was looking crappy, and it only had a baby angel and 2 platies in it, so i dumped them in the 50gal, and no i am on my way.

I guess i should have checked more with u guys before doing this, but i was bored. Most sites say they need 10gal, while some say 15gal, well, i plan on 2 of them, maybe, more if possible

how many whould i have?

What kind of shells do i use?

Anyways, here are some pics. I replaces the old crappy gravel with pool filter sand. Very deep sand, i read they likes that.

 

[JustOneMore20]

I think in a 10g you can only have a pair...maybe a trio (1m/2f) but you'd need to be able to sex them. Occies are pretty aggressive little fish and usually a tank bigger than 10g is recommended. I'd have atleast 3 shells per fish...or more if you can get them and fit them in.

If you went with another type of Shellies, like Multis, you could have more.

Occies are cute little fish though. I want a 20g long shellie tank and thought about Occies, but am leaning towards Multis because I want more fish.

 

[WaterPond]

hmm, i will check with the people in my aquarium society tosee what they have, and if they could sell some to me.

 

[jamesrm]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is a shellie?

 

[JustOneMore20]

They are shell dwelling cichlids from Lake Tanganyikan....basically African cichlids that are small and live in shells.

THIS SITE has some information about them. And the first picture you see is of the type that Waterpond is talking about: Lamprologus Ocellatus.

 

[jamesrm]

Those are cool Thanks for sharing.

 

[WaterPond]

i put a few plants in, and i got some more rocks, and made little caves out of FW clam shells. All i need are about 10 shells and i am ready to go

Here are the stats

ammonia- 0
nitrite- 0
nitrate- around 5
pH- 7.8

temperature- 76

Would it be a good investment to get GH, and KH test kits?

I am now planning on a different species which is bred mby a lady in my aquarium society.

Here is a link to her website, with info on the spoecies i want. Now, the pics of the tank (pretty much done, but still needs shells)

I also mixed some crushed coral with the pool filter sand substrate to get my pH up.

OK...pics!

 

[Gillie]

What species are you looking at ?

 

[WaterPond]

Neolamprologus multifasciatus

 

[plecoperson]

What link? Where? I wanna see!

 

[Gillie]

Nice choice I have Occelatus. Yesterday I picked up a pair of callarius and so far the Occelatus are not willing to share the 55 they are in so I may have to separate the Viscous little guys so the newbies survive

 

[WaterPond]

http://users.kent.net/~lisab/Neomultifasciastus.html

This is the webpage made by the lady who is selling me the fish.

 

[JustOneMore20]

Looks great! Multis are cute little shellies and aren't as aggressive as Occies, so you'll be pleased with your choice.

 

[Big Ben]

those fish look sweet. i read the comments of the lady "They seem to think that they’re big fish. They try to show you that. However, if you show them that you’re not intimidated (by not moving a siphon, etc.), they hide in their shells. " haha. give us an update wen u get some shellies ( with pics )

 

[WaterPond]

not getting them anymore.

 

[plecoperson]

How come?

 

[WaterPond]

cause the lady who was giving them too me couldent catch any, and she didnt want to grab shells, because she was aafraid she might give me one of here mated pairs. But its ok, i have some feeder guppies in there now.

 

[Stephen]

That's too bad. Shellies are one of the more interesting cichlids in terms of behavior. Hope you get to get some soon.

 

[Gillie]

Take a look at wetthumbaquatics.com my friends Bob and Doris have a huge stock of Multies for a great price.

 

[crazyred]

That is an awesome site. I'm thinking of doing a shellie tank soon and that is a handy source...thanks dude.