Shelldwellers for beginners?

[Shellieboy196]

What are your thoughts on shelldwellers? Are they a good beginner fish or should I start with something else?

[SkaleyAquatics]

I think it would depend on the shellie. Tank size would also have to be considered? What are you thinking? 

[Shellieboy196]

@SkaleyAquaticsI’m thinking lamprologus ocellatus in a 29 gallon long it’d be the only fish I keep 

Edited March 23, 2022 by Shellieboy196

[SkaleyAquatics]

On 3/23/2022 at 9:38 AM, Shellieboy196 said:

@SkaleyAquaticsI’m thinking lamprologus ocellatus in a 29 gallon long it’d be the only fish I keep 

I do not know if I would start with ocellatus, I think multifasciatus would be better. 

[ange]

On 3/23/2022 at 8:38 AM, Shellieboy196 said:

@SkaleyAquaticsI’m thinking lamprologus ocellatus in a 29 gallon long it’d be the only fish I keep 

Shell dwellers tend to hang out in the bottom of the tank so the footprint matters a lot more than the overall volume. A 29 is a great size for them but will be overkill depending on who you ask. When I had my multis I kept them in a 10 but they're a smaller  species than ossies.

The main thing to consider with shell dwellers is that they will breed. Make sure that you have a plan for those babies. African cichlids were very popular where I lived when I had them, but when I moved the multis had to go because I knew I probably wouldn't be able to find homes for them as readily.

[Shellieboy196]

On 3/23/2022 at 4:32 PM, ange said:

Shell dwellers tend to hang out in the bottom of the tank so the footprint matters a lot more than the overall volume. A 29 is a great size for them but will be overkill depending on who you ask. When I had my multis I kept them in a 10 but they're a smaller  species than ossies.

The main thing to consider with shell dwellers is that they will breed. Make sure that you have a plan for those babies. African cichlids were very popular where I lived when I had them, but when I moved the multis had to go because I knew I probably wouldn't be able to find homes for them as readily.

How many can I keep in a 10 gallon? I’d like to have more than just a few since it’s the only fish I want to keep

On 3/23/2022 at 4:01 PM, SkaleyAquatics said:

I do not know if I would start with ocellatus, I think multifasciatus would be better. 

I was thinking about that too I guess it depends on what is more readily available

[ange]

On 3/23/2022 at 4:01 PM, Shellieboy196 said:

How many can I keep in a 10 gallon? I’d like to have more than just a few since it’s the only fish I want to keep

I started with 4 but the number was always higher than that after the initial transition period. They made so many babies for me that it felt unreal. When I had the tank it was super low tech: pool filter sand, sponge filter, a heater, and XL escargot shells. My water at that place was extremely hard so I didn't need any amendments like wonder shell or crushed coral.

[Shellieboy196]

On 3/23/2022 at 7:22 PM, ange said:

I started with 4 but the number was always higher than that after the initial transition period. They made so many babies for me that it felt unreal. When I had the tank it was super low tech: pool filter sand, sponge filter, a heater, and XL escargot shells. My water at that place was extremely hard so I didn't need any amendments like wonder shell or crushed coral.

Awesome you all have got me really looking forward to getting some Shellies I just hope I’ll be able to find a place that sells them