Considering Shell Dwellers

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labenator65000

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 15, 2012
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Midwest
I have a 20 gallon comminity tank that I'm considering converting to a shell dweller tank. Not sure if this is in the right forum.
Tanganyika is neither a Rift Lake nor Riverine/Madagascar. Moderator, feel free to relocate.

I have a 55 gallon Malawi tank, but I know absolutely nothing about shellys. So here is where I ask a number of noob questions to help me decide whether shelle dwellers are a right fit for me (and vice-versa).

- Is a 20 gallon a large enough tank?
- How many can I safely have in a 20 gallon?
- What are my substrate options?
- Is there special filtration or water-flow needed, or does your basic HOB spec's for a 20 gallon aquarium suffice?
- What diet do they need? Is NLS a good for for them?
- What temp to they prefer?
- I have well water that luckily is perfect for Rift Lake cichlids. What water parameters do Shellys need?
- Are there gender considerations that I need to consider (M/F ratio)?
- Are there species considerations that I need to beware of? Will I need to research each species for compatibility, or can any/all shell dwellers go together?

Are there good reputable online resources? Please don't tell me to Google. I want REPUTABLE resources.

Thanks in advance.


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Lake tanganyika is a Rift Lake, I would even say that it is the ultimate rift lake, because it is deeper and the water is even harder and more alkaline. A 20 is fine for shell dwellers - you could do one pair easily, or two pairs of species that use smaller territories, like N. brevis.

By the way, this is an awesome use for a 20g imo
 
pudgeking said:
Lake tanganyika is a Rift Lake, I would even say that it is the ultimate rift lake, because it is deeper and the water is even harder and more alkaline. A 20 is fine for shell dwellers - you could do one pair easily, or two pairs of species that use smaller territories, like N. brevis.

By the way, this is an awesome use for a 20g imo
Click to expand...

Thanks fr the info. So only 2 or 4 fish?
 
You could start with 6 or more juveniles and let them pair off. You might be able to do more, but bear in mind that 2 pairs would be 4 fish, until they spawn and then you will have more, eventually you will have to sell off some fry
 
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