Shelldwellers Shells

[fishstick]

My lfs advised me quite firmly not to buy marine shells to put in my new shelldwellers tank. My year-old previous s.d. tank had the shells with a golden inside which I think are marine but my neolamprologus multifaciatus have lived and bred in them without problems all this time. I can't think why the traditional shells are so difficult to find - no shops near me sell them. I would have thought that the gradual leaching of calcium carbonate from the shells in mature tank water would be beneficial to the s.d's. need for hard water. Any ideas and any sources for the correct shells?

 

[Xebadir]

I use marine shells in my SD tank, and they do the job a treat.

All id suggest if your going to go grab some from the beach or a store is to soak them thoroughly in DC water, and make sure theyre very clean. Make sure there are no living creatures/or ex creatures in the shells. Also think about what shell size is appropriate for the size of your shelldweller.

Other than that there is no problem Ive found and my tanks been running nearly a year.

 

[chishnfips]

I dont have shell dwellers but I do have the odd mussel shell and cockle shells in my tank to raise the KH, cant see a problem myself.

 

[MojoDex]

its generally down to the spiral in the shell, the fish can get caught in it and die. i use escargot shells in my tanks u cangererally pick them up cheap from any gourmet food shop or if u really want the authentic look this guy sells tanganyika and malawi shells

http/www.africanaquatic.com/index.php?ma...p;keyword=shell

although tangayika are sold out right now the malawi r just as good

 

[fishstick]

its generally down to the spiral in the shell, the fish can get caught in it and die. i use escargot shells in my tanks u cangererally pick them up cheap from any gourmet food shop or if u really want the authentic look this guy sells tanganyika and malawi shells

http/www.africanaquatic.com/index.php?ma...p;keyword=shell

although tangayika are sold out right now the malawi r just as good

OK thanks guys, noted everything.

 

[stang1]

It's alos worth popping in your lfs to see if they have any empty apple snail shells. My lfs usually keep some to one side for me and don't charge anything.

 

[caino]

this is what i use

http/www.frenchgourmetstore.com/escargots/20004.htm

they take about 2 days to get there, and are large shells, but light enought for any fish to move them around and bury them they work just fine and the fish seem to like them, and no worries about them getting stucky atall, hope that helps.

 

[MojoDex]

this is what i use

http/www.frenchgourmetstore.com/escargots/20004.htm

they take about 2 days to get there, and are large shells, but light enought for any fish to move them around and bury them they work just fine and the fish seem to like them, and no worries about them getting stucky atall, hope that helps.

i have them in with my multis as well they are great shells if a little bit of a nasty colour

 

[Teelie]

I use all types of shells, including marine shells with my shelldwellers. In fact, one of my stapps has moved into a seashell and none of them have taken a liking to their native shells at all even though there are plenty for them to choose from.