What species of shell-dwellers can I mix in a tank?

[creativetec]

Which species of shell dwellers can I mix in the tank?

[Quixotic]

I took the liberty to edit your post, hope you don't mind. I would suggest you take one step at a time. Find out what species you have in mind and if they can mix in a tank first. Then learn as much as you can about their husbandry and behaviour.

Lastly comes the stocking part. Remember, there are many species of shell dwellers, therefore it would be good if you can be as specific as possible. Also, not all species may be available at a single time, so it all depends on the stock in the LFS. Once you have determined what you want, post a "Where to find" thread in the Aquatalk section and the members would definitely be more than glad to help.

To start you off, do take some time to read the sticky at the top of the forum.
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=33572

Secondly, what is the tank size setup you have in mind? Do remember that cichlids can be aggressive, so some information of the setup you have in mind will allow our readers to recommend the species and stocking level better.

[creativetec]

i am looking at similis species. i have prepare my 2ft tank with shells already.

[Quixotic]

Neolamprologus similis? So you are asking for advice on mixing them with other species of shell-dwellers to the tank.

Let's see what others can share on this.

[trident]

Do you plan to mix different shell dwellers or mix shell dwellers with other species?
I have a tank with lamprologus brevis (shell dwellers) with Altolamprologus compressiceps kiriza and Julidochromis regani.

[creativetec]

Yes that's right. and i notice is hard to find shell dewellers species in LFS.

i am worried about other species or other fishes species eating the fry. yes, i want to mix with other shell dewellers.. but is it advised to put other fishes in? will it eat my fry?

[Quixotic]

Yes that's right. and i notice is hard to find shell dewellers species in LFS.

They can be found, just that they are not always in stock. Look around the "Merchant Advertisements and Announcements" section.

[creativetec]

ok thanks. i have a 2ft tank. so how many should fishes should i have?

[trident]

I think whatever fish you comm your shell dwellers with, they will eat the fries.
For breeding it's best to move the pair into a breeding tank.
As to how many fishes in your 2 ft tank, I think 10 should do fine. Considering that shell dwellers are not that big.

[stormchild]

Hmm.

Mixing different species of shellies? They will definitely have a war over territory.

However. There is an experiment you might care to try.

Put in a 'divider' into your tank. Say 1 feet for each side.(since you got yourself a 2feet.)

Place shells on both sides then put in a single species on each side. Other than Brevis, i think other species of shellies are harem breeders. i.e they will form a colony of a single male and several females, all taking responsibility of guarding their territory. Allow each species to take hold of their own territory and sort out their own hierachy.

After a few weeks, remove the divider. By then, each species should have their own territory and space within the tank. Maybe some squabbles at the 'border'... but do take note that occelatus are pretty much the most aggressive shellies you can find in LFS. So maybe you might not want to start with these guys first...

The above is just a suggestion. I myself have not tried this. Maybe a three feet would be more effective... hmmm

[creativetec]

thanks for your help. i am starting to get all the thing neccessary for my tank

[creativetec]

i trying to get 'Lamprologus' similis but i went to a lot LFS but i do not seem to see it.

[trident]

As mentioned earlier in the thread shell dwellers are hard to come by.
Maybe you can start off with what is available from the lfs now.
Have you benn to Biotope or Cichlid Forever?
These 2 shops have some shell dwellers there.

[Quixotic]

i trying to get 'Lamprologus' similis but i went to a lot LFS but i do not seem to see it.

creativetec,

Didn't I already hinted to you where to get this? I am not in the habit of always spoon feeding, so I will just point you to the section.

Merchant Advertisements and Announcements

Open your eyes and look through the list. It is definitely there.