Looking for something to put in the 20g long

[Misty]

I've always thought they ("shellies") were pretty neat but I need info. I can't even search them though, not knowing any names or anything.
I need names, tank preferences, ease of keeping, food, links you can share...and so on.

Thanks

[biggin]

Brevis are typically available...
http://www.worldcichlids.com/fishprofiles/Neolbrevis.html

I like Neolamprologus multifasciatus (Multies)

Species profiles:

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/category.php?cat=14

[Misty]

Intersting little guys! That first link answered a lot for me. I never knew there were so many different ones...thank you for both links!

[lellison]

www.shelldwellers.com (http://www.shelldwellers.com)

I have brevis and I love them. Breed like rabbits too. Very unique behavior also. I am thinking about getting occies also but have no advice to give beyond that. Check out this site and you will be able to see all the different shellies under " shell dweller species photos" to see what you like and read around the forum.

[biggin]

I was going to post this link but my "Internet Security" is flagging it as a harmful site....

www.shelldwellers.com (http://www.shelldwellers.com)

I have brevis and I love them. Breed like rabbits too. Very unique behavior also. I am thinking about getting occies also but have no advice to give beyond that. Check out this site and you will be able to see all the different shellies under " shell dweller species photos" to see what you like and read around the forum.

[Misty]

I got that too Blake...an ad or something is doing a little financial info gathering.

I'll give it a few days and try again, thanks for sharing the link Laura.

[biggin]

I was looking at it a couple days ago with no problem.

It's a pretty good site... or maybe it was just a front...

Perhaps The evil minds gathered and said "We will get those Shellie keepers!" :muahaha:

[greeneyed]

Here's a link to the photo's:

http://www.shelldwellers.com/index.php/board,3.0.html

[tsunderl]

I was going to post this link but my "Internet Security" is flagging it as a harmful site....

Works for me... :confuzeld:

[biggin]

Maybe we have "better" security....

[tsunderl]

Probably so, since I basically have none. http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/neptune/Animated/Computer/computer022.gif

[Misty]

It's McAfee SiteAdvisor warning me...

[Misty]

So I've read two different things on substrate for them. One says sand and one says sand over gravel. I get that they like to bury their shells but which would be the best way to go. The one that mentioned sand only said that they could hurt themselves on the gravel.

What kind of sand?

While you're reading...how do I choose shells for them? I know I need an excess but what makes a good shell and how do you tell if it's good for them?

Can I put a little mini pleco or other algae eater with them?

Thank you!

[rolloffhill]

I think JJ has some shells...:D

[lellison]

I have CaribSea Aragonite sand. I think the size shells that most of them like are about the size of escorgot shells. You can look these up and get some from ebay..I saw some a while back. Or you can do what I do and go to a LFS and ask for their large empty snail shells and get them for free. The large snail shells work well for my juvies, but a little small still for grown shellies. Mine have spawned in medium to large sea shells that I had around the house. And yes they will bury them, so I would say just sand rather than sand over gravel.

[biggin]

I think sand is better.

Plecos are fine with them as well.

So I've read two different things on substrate for them. One says sand and one says sand over gravel. I get that they like to bury their shells but which would be the best way to go. The one that mentioned sand only said that they could hurt themselves on the gravel.

What kind of sand?

While you're reading...how do I choose shells for them? I know I need an excess but what makes a good shell and how do you tell if it's good for them?

Can I put a little mini pleco or other algae eater with them?

Thank you!

[Wampcat]

I use escargot shells from World Market for my multies. Works great.

Multies are a good choice for a 20g long because they live in colonies. Not alot of aggression.

[biggin]

I think Multies are a good choice as well.

I wish I had a few more....

[Misty]

Thank you everyone! You've been loads of help! Since the big guys are still in the tank for now, I'll keep reading what I can and I'll let you know how this turns out.

[Misty]

I think JJ has some shells...:D

I know what she can do with them too...:hehe:

[kewlkatdady]

I use escargot shells as well...and I got them from world market also...

My opinion on substrate, is that they "can" be in either type...gravel or sand.

They will thrive and act more natural in sand as thats what the natural habitat provided.

I use Pool filter sand from home depot, but 3M CQ would be fine if you wanted more color choices.

[Misty]

Yea! I have a World Market right up the street...that gives me a good reason to go in. I love that place and can get lost in there.

I was wondering about PFS but I do like color so I'll check out the 3M stuff too.

Thank you!

[Misty]

Well, I'm glad I didn't get very far with this. I have to put it hold for a while.

When I moved the big guys to the 100g, the little horndog male mollies I have became annoyingly annoying in only that annoying way male molles can get.:rolleyes1:
They were going to be killed if they didn't stop so they are now residing in the 20g since it's a better size for them. It was quite interesting though. The big males would spin in these tight little violent circles taking the little ones through plants and toward rocks. They just couldn't lose the little ones though.

I haven't lost interest, I do still want to do this, it's just gonna have to wait.:(

[lellison]

Hey things like that come up. Just be glad you had a tank ready for them when you needed it. Solution: just get another tank :exactly:

[Misty]

I'm trying, lol.
I think I can handle a few more...:hehe: