Setting Up A Shellie Tank

[coldcazzie]

I have a 24x12x12 tank which (having dabated A LOT about) I've decided to keep shellies in. It needs to be cycled first, which will be fishless using mature media from my large tank (will take half a fine sponge from my Rio filter and put in Fluval 2). I have some questions though:

1. Will they be ok with play sand like other tropical tanks?

2. How many could I keep in there? And how many shells will I need?

3. My water is very soft - around 7 GH and 4-5 KH, and although tap pH is 7.4, tank pH sits between 6-6.4 so obviously I will need to raise these. How should I do this in a way to keep it consistently the same? Crushed coral? Coral sand? Marine rocks?

4. Is there anything else I could keep in there. Am thinking MTS maybe, but what about other fish? I know it's not a large tank so they'd have to be little fish.

Thanks anyone who can help!

 

[AdAndrews]

That size tank is suitable, i would start with 6 in there.

If your water is soft, then you need to be adding a buffer, im currently using:

epsom salts
bicarbinate of soda
tonic salt

dosed at 1tsp per 5 USgals on a water change provide trace elements, raise the ph and harden the water,

any sand is fine, as long as its fine enough for little mouths to move.


ps. where are you based, i may be needing to get rid of 4 of my multies.

Adam

 

[coldcazzie]

I am in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Where would I get epsom salts and tonic salt from?

 

[AdAndrews]

epsom salt:

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260525134432&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

tonic salt:

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260525918447&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

just noticed the epsom link didnt work.. just type it into ebay and purchase a suitable ammount.


You are quite a bit away from me then, doesnt matter
good luck

 

[coldcazzie]

Ahh cool

How comes you're getting rid of 4 of yours?

and yes I am!

 

[loraxchick]

dont have advie on the multis as im curently looking into them myself (good luck..im following this thread...but epsom salts are readily found in ANY pharmacy or grocery store(with the medicines)...very very cheap for a largish box. the salt is magnesium sulfate...just in case shipping is a lot or whatever-you can find them very easily just about anywhere for very cheap!
cheers

 

[didz04]

Hi
Just wanted to know what is a Shellie?
Are they a Neolamprologus multifasciatus?

 

[coldcazzie]

Hi
Just wanted to know what is a Shellie?
Are they a Neolamprologus multifasciatus?

Those are one kind yes - shellie is just a nickname for shell dweller, which covers all the kinds of cichlids which use discarded shells for protection.

ps, thanx lora - will have a lookie in asda at the weekend!

 

[kiriyama]

Hiya , I asked about a million and one questions before taking the plunge, tank size ok for 6 but you could go less to begin with then hopefully build up a colony. I don't use any buffers as I am wary of pH fluctuations(spelling?), I used a base layer of crushed coral sand then Caribsea fine grade cichlid sand ( this stuff requires no rinsing, will constantly buffer and has a sachet of polishing stuff which clears the cloudy water real quick), also can add ocean rock and/or tufa rock which will raise pH. I havn't tried it myself but you can put crushed coral in a pouch (stockings/tights) and add it to the filter. Any sand that has Aragonite is what you are looking for.
http/www.warehouse-aquatics.co.uk/gravel-substrates-rock/caribsea-fine-grade-cichlid-complete-9kg-p-4645.html
http/www.duboisi.com/forum/
http/www.cichlidrecipe.com/shellweb/shell_intro.htm
A few MTS would be fine in there , I also have a couple of Sulawesi Elephant Snails which are fine, I have seen the Multis lifting the odd MTS and moving it to a different area of the tank away from its turf. I know Bristlenose Plec require a larger tank but you could maybe get away with keeping 1 small BN in there , mine are ok in the harder water. I was mainly concerned with sourcing dithers before setting up my own tank i.e. danios etc but to be honest when the Multis are not digging they will swim in all areas of the tank, especially at feeding time. Julidochromis Dickfeldi (1 or 2) can be kept in a tank that size, need caves and won't be aggressive towards your shellies)
Hope this helps a bit without going on too much, let us know how you get on