[digs27]

Hi,
I was looking to set up a 20 gal long shellie tank and had a few questions.
The first one is where do you guys find these. I don't think that any of my LFSs have these. Do you get them from breeders or online.
My second question is about the substrate. Would it be ok to use ocean sand or would it too salty.
My last question is about tank mates. What other types of tangs go good with them.

Thanks

 

[triscuit]

The first one is where do you guys find these. I don't think that any of my LFSs have these. Do you get them from breeders or online.

I'd look at the reviews section here on the site and see if you can find a breeder/LFS within driving distance. Also, the trading post may have some other hobbyists in your area with fish for sale.

Would it be ok to use ocean sand or would it too salty.

That would be just fine. You'll want to rinse any sand that you buy/find so most of the saltiness will go away. Secondly, shellies like hard, well buffered water, so salt isn't a bad thing.

What other types of tangs go good with them.

In a 20 long, you've got a couple choices. My personal favorite would be a small julidochromis species (not marlieri or regani). A. Calvus would also work. However, both these species will hunt for fry, so you may not get as many baby shellies than if you had a species only tank. I might be tempted to go for the Sumbu dwarf comps since I haven't kept them yet...

 

[daywalker7]

I'm sure some of you used Caribsea Eco complete, I love the look of this sand, how is it working out for the multies?? As far as i know this is the only aragonite that has the "salt and pepper" look, is this true?

 

[digs27]

Thank you for the info..looks like i gotta do some more research and fish around for some shell dwellers.

Thanks

 

[DJRansome]

I know someone in Staten Island, is that close enough? PM me if you want the name.

 

[digs27]

Turns out that a pet store 30 mins from my house had a couple different types of shell dwellers. I picked up two Lamprologus meleagris or pearly ocetallus. I tried to pick out a male and a female but not sure what I ended up with. Is there any good way to tell? The one I think is a male was large and dark colored and guarding a shell in the shop. The one I think is a female was swimming around the whole tank, smaller, and much lighter colored. Now that they are in the tank they both stick to a shell and sometimes flare their fins when they get near each other.

 

[digs27]

I still am not sure if I have two males or a male and a female. They are chasing eachother from shell to shell and nipping at eachother. Is this behavior reflective of 2 males being aggressive and trying to be dominant?

 

[Multies]

pick up more meleagris from your pet shop. theres a high chance they will kill each other.