Can I Buy Shell-dweller Cichlids Online?

[GaryPham]

I'm interested in getting a couple cichlids for my 10 gallon tank, and have read that the shell-dwellers are the only type that would be able to do well in a tank this small in size. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any lfs that carries them. Is there any reputable online site where I could purchase them?

Thanks guys!

 

[Larissa]

I'm interested in getting a couple cichlids for my 10 gallon tank, and have read that the shell-dwellers are the only type that would be able to do well in a tank this small in size. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any lfs that carries them. Is there any reputable online site where I could purchase them?

Thanks guys!

If you ask your LFS they might be able to order them for you. Are you in the UK or the USA?

 

[GaryPham]

I'm located in USA

 

[stang1]

Depending on what type of set up you are after, you could gow ith a pair of Dwarf Cichlids or a pair of Rams in a 10g tank. Rams are more sensitive and prefer a mature tank, Dwarf Cichlids aren't quite as sensitive but will prefer a tank that has been set up for a good couple of months or so.

 

[Larissa]

Depending on what type of set up you are after, you could gow ith a pair of Dwarf Cichlids or a pair of Rams in a 10g tank. Rams are more sensitive and prefer a mature tank, Dwarf Cichlids aren't quite as sensitive but will prefer a tank that has been set up for a good couple of months or so.

I think there is a lot of debate over what size tank you can keep rams in. I used to think a 10g would suffice but now, after a lot of reading around and careful consideration I am convinced that a 20g is much better for a pair of blues or bolivians because of their size, activity level, and territoriality (is that even a word lol!). But a pair of small dwarf South American cichlids like A. triffiscata (sp?) might work - you might even be able to get away with a trio. If it were my 10g I would probably have a Neolamprologus multifasciatus colony though.
Sorry I can't advise on US mail order fish sites, but if you haven't already, see if your LFS can order what you are looking for.

 

[stang1]

Rams should be fine in a 10G depending on what other fish are going in the tank. As far as being territorial, you would have the same problem with any Dwarf Cichlid. Provided there is plenty of plants and decor, then I personally don't see a problem.
Shelldwellers would be fine but once breeding starts, you will have to make sure that you can rehome the babies when old enough. My Multis were breeding about every 6 weeeks and producing up to 18 fry at a time. Even in a 48G tank, it wasn't long before it started to get overcrowded!

 

[Larissa]

Yes you can keep rams FINE in a 10g. But because they are active and inqusitive fish in a 20g they would thrive rather than just survive. They become much more lively and display more natural behavior. Yes, you would have to rehome Multie fry but, their colony sytem with multiple generations would be very interesting to observe IMO. You could just take the fry to your LFS - and since there seem to be no shelldwellers in your area - they would probably pay you for them or at least give you store credit.

 

[stang1]

I think we may have to agree to disagree on this one Larissa.
I would personally go for the Dwarf Cichlids such as Apistogramma Cacatuoides. They are beautiful fish and very underrated. Provide a few plants and a couple of terracotta pots and you may find that they end up spawning!

 

[GaryPham]

are cichlids aggressive fish at all times or only during spawning? I'm actually not that interested in breeding them and just wanted to have a show tank. I was actually wondering if I would be able to get away with a single krib cichlid (maybe female since I hear they might be less aggressive?) for my 10 gallon tank. Would I be able to add any other smaller fish to the tank or would the lone cichlid most likely kill anything else in the tank?

 

[Larissa]

I think we may have to agree to disagree on this one Larissa.
I would personally go for the Dwarf Cichlids such as Apistogramma Cacatuoides. They are beautiful fish and very underrated. Provide a few plants and a couple of terracotta pots and you may find that they end up spawning!

I agree some type of small apisto would be nice...like Apistogramma trifasciata...just not rams. But hey, what works for one person might not work for another, thats what makes this hobby interesting I suppose.

Edit: Apistogramma Cacatouides would work too

 

[stang1]

As far as I know, Kribs prefer to be kept as pairs. They can be quite aggressive towards other fish and I wouldn't advise keeping them in a 10G tank.
A lot of Cichlids like Rams, Dwarves etc. are only aggressive when breeding so provided there is plenty of cover in the tank, other fish should be fine.

Larissa - I think you're right, different things work for different people. I've finally realised that there are no hard, set rules in fishkeeping!

 

[Larissa]

Also, it is good to keep smaller fish "dither fish" like tetras with rams and dwarves because in the wild, they use tetras as warning signs for danger. Having them in the tank with whatever cichlid you opt for will encourage them to come out more because they will feel safer. Agression wise, rams and dwarves can be tough little fish but, it is mostly for show and they should not do any major dammage to fellow tankmates.

 

[kj23502]

Hi, I have a couple US sites that sell online in the US!

Dave's rare aquarium fish They have a TON of LAKE TANGANYIKA cichlids listed. Not sure if they're in stock. You call to confirm.

Thepetplace.com they have all their cichlids grouped together so it's a little harder to sort through. You could do a search though!

Drs Foster and Smith live aquaria They have them conviently sorted by lake.

i haven't ordered fish from any of these sites yet. I haven't needed to yet. I got mine off of ebay actually, because they didn't have what I wanted. However, the 2nd two were recommended to me by my brother in law who's been keeping fish for a long time!

I have these sites bookmarked in my fav list. Good luck with what you decide to do!!

 

[WaterBender1995]

DAVES is an excellent link Kj, he'll order anything you need, if you call him he'll be MORE then happy to help you with ANY questions you have, he's not only a store owner in the hobby but a college grad in it too!! very smart and nice guy!!

ps. best arrive alive shipper I've seen too!

 

[toddnbecka]

Where in the US are you located? I have seveal dozen multi's in a 55, and everything necessary to ship them if you aren't on the other side of the country. I can certainly give you a better price than the online retailers listed if you're interested. I can take a few pics of the colony if you'd like, most are breeding size or very close.