40g Breeder Tang Stocking

[5dollarsplash]

Hello all, as the title states I have a 40g breeder open and will start cycling this week. Since I live in the middle of nowhere(NW Wisconsin), finding certain species can be tough. What I'm looking for is a decently diverse Tang set up, and maybe some ideas on where to order or get them from.

I really would like a shell dweller species and calvus if possible? But which types?

Is there a native catfish species that would work for this size tank?

Julidochromis are really cool, but again which kinds?

And how would you set up your tank for these differing species?

Thanks

PS
(I did use the search function, just thought due to location it may get some different answers)

 

[Ash]

Yes that should be an ok tank. I plan on doing a 40B or L with shellies and calvus. I just can't set the tank up yet. I would just make sure you have a lot of rock work, some open swimming space and tons of shells (you can do multiple piles of shells). As for a catfish there are a ton of synodontis species, each getting to different lengths when full grown so just look up each of them and then decide. Some can be hard to find though.

 

[5dollarsplash]

Thanks Ash, I couldn't pass up the dollar a gallon sale awhile back and thought 40b is a perfect tank for shellies. I'll start researching synodontis to see whats do-able and more importantly available. Its tough trying to stock in a Wisconsin winter with shipping and all.

Any Julidochromis experts with thoughts on the different strains?

 

[cl0wn knife]

calvus eat shell dwellers when they are fully grown a 6inch predatory calvus is gonna look at a 2inch brevis as food.

 

[5dollarsplash]

Everything I've read said that calvus don't bother shellies except for fry... Not that I'm doubting but if others could chime in?

 

[Ash]

Any fish can eat a fish that fits in its mouth. I ve seen this mix done before with it working out fine, actually I ve seen quite a few (which is why I wanted to do one of my own). I believe a lot of it depends on the individual fish you have as well as its environment/tank set up. Make sure there is sufficient shells/rock work for the smaller fish to hide in and seek shelter.

 

[P.A.NativesBPM]

A simple way to ensure the shell dwellers' safety is to have larger and deeper shells so the calvus can't reach them. It will be slightly more expensive than your average escargot shells though.


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