Lake Tanganyika Species • Shellie Tank

[UNIDEKE]

Thought I would try a Shellie tank. Pulled some old stuff our of retirement and just set this tank up, thoughts?

10gal, PFS #20, Escargot Shells, Java Fern, Limestone rock, Sponge filter, Full spectrum fluorescent T8 lighting, no heater ATM







Neither Petsmart or Petco have any Shellies, so am looking for some! Am looking to go with “Lamprologus occelatus ‘Gold’

[reflexhunter]

Looks good, might want to get some more shells, ab has some in the mixed section or you can order some from one of the vender that sponsor here.

[UNIDEKE]

Wasn't sure on the number of shells, have about a dozen in there now, can easily put more in. Thanks for the input!

[Ptyochromis]

Looks good, needs a few more shells and their orientation should be changed, opening either facing up or to the side (with the spiral facing down). Brevis and multi species prefer the opening to face straight up while ornatipinnis prefers it on it's side. If the fish's mouth faces up shell opening goes up, mouth opens down shell goes on it's side; not always the case but a good rule of thumb. Anticipate 2-3 shells per fish, more for multis.

[UNIDEKE]

Thanks for the info...added another dozen shells and changed the orientation. Will post an updated picture soon.

[Ptyochromis]

Here is some more accurate info...
Worth the read if you plan on keeping shellies
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=dd1565d9a6e3794e62d9582c3ccfe600&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fishforums.net%2Findex.php%3F%2Ftopic%2F395371-tell-me-about-shell-dwellers%2Fpage__st__40&v=1&libid=1338266123857&out=http%3A%2F%2Feprints.ru.ac.za%2F1431%2F1%2FBillsMScThesis.pdf&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fishforums.net%2Findex.php%3Fapp%3Dcore%26module%3Dsearch%26do%3Duser_activity%26mid%3D55345&title=Tell%20Me%20About%20Shell%20Dwellers%20-%20Tropical%20Fish%20Forums%20-%20Page%203&txt=The%20paper%2C%20read%20for%20yourself%20%3A3&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13382661314661

[reflexhunter]

Good luck in arranging the shells, my multies are always moving sand and burying shell the either don't like or use lol

So what kind of shellie are you going to put in there? Ah never mind, missed it under your pic

[UNIDEKE]

Just got my Gold Occies in the mail, very interesting fish...think I'm going to like these guys! Did a little reading (posted above), and can already see some of the characteristics coming out. Here are a few basic shots.









Thank you for the suggestions!

[reflexhunter]

Awsome! So how many did you start with?

[UNIDEKE]

Awsome! So how many did you start with?

Started with 6, we'll see how it works. My goal is to have a breeding pair or two or a working trio. I have several 20g -L tanks that I will be building a stand for (need to build a 6' 125g stand first), but for the time being they are in a 10g. Never having Shellie's, I have a lot to learn, but am up for the discovery.