apx 95 gallon setup. any thoughts/advice?

[cwilson]

hey all,

this is my first post on MFK, so ill do a little introduction: been into aquariums for about 6 years or so now. original interest was just the family community FW, then oscars, then a few years in marine/reefs tanks. i recently moved accross the country though, so i really cant afford a reef setup of the size i want. so............

the tank i purchased measures 60"x18"x18" (love the 60" ) and i plan on having a rather rocky setup. i would like to have a large rocky area in one corner with a group of (7-10) rock dwelling cichlids, hopefully some Julidochromis. but i would also like to get a few shell dwellers for the center of the tank. i would only have about 4-6, and i would make sure to have at least 10 shells. in my head right now (tank isnt set up) the shell "area" will be about 30"x18"

so my questions are....

whats a good basic shell dweller? a buddy of mine had some a few years ago, but he doesnt remember any names. i live in the Tampa Bay area, so if there are any LFS that would be sweet, but online is also an option i guess.

also, do these numbers seem ok? i would be happy to answer any other questions about the system/equip, or stocking/aquascaping. i just didnt want to ramble any more than i already have.

thanks everyone!

 

[mike dunagan]

well shellies are great! I would recommend some multies and some shellies comps... Also look at getting some dwarf cyps for the upper part of the tank...

 

[Muske]

Multis are probally the most common/easiest to obtain. I second the Cyps. for open water action.

 

[cwilson]

cool, thanks for the input guys! ill bhe sure to look into those

just an FYI, ill be a little slow on most replys; my home pc is currently not working, and i cant get onto message boards at work.........


ive got another quick question, and ive heard a few mixed things, but ive never asked here. and this seems like a pretty good source of info and experience (my freshwater verision of reefcentral hahaha)

whats the deal with cichlids (such as the ones i have listed) an live plants? i know larger cichlids tend to destroy them, rip them up and all that. but would these smaller guys kind of steer clear? i would imagine any plants on the sand AKA in the foreground would get destroyed by the shellies.......

anybody with experience with these cichlids and plants?