29 Gallon Cichlid Tank

[d3sc3n7]

Ok, were thinking about starting one of these. These are beautiful (and expensive) fish, so I wont do it without proper research and advice. So, what are our options here. I read in the sticky that "Shellies" would work well in a tank that size. Which ones? What substrate? Everything, please help...this will be my wifes tank!

 

[alter40]

And so it begins....

 

[d3sc3n7]

HAHAHAH! As you know, it's not my set-up!!! We know who has the bug!

 

[RoxnSox]

i will not let you guys think you will convert me!

 

[d3sc3n7]

hahahahahah, to late my dear...the dark side is strong with you

 

[sweetpickles7]

If you are going for shellies, occies and multis would work [ not together, one or the other].

 

[d3sc3n7]

I'm a cichlid retard...what are some of the strains of those? Or are those the strains?

 

[sweetpickles7]

To tell you the truth i dont know how to spell there name correctly and i have only seen people spell them like that. These are some of the smallest shellies it think they get about 2in, have great personality and they create colonies. Just through some shells in there tank and watch them breed!

 

[d3sc3n7]

I think we can do that! I just need to find out what strains are good for it!

 

[sweetpickles7]

What do you mean by strains?

 

[d3sc3n7]

Like the actual fish names, just so I'm sure

 

[Big Vine]

Neolamprologus multifasciatus ('multies')
Neolamprologus ocellatus ('occies')

I highly recommend multies---they'll form a breeding colony in which multiple generations will co-exist amicably. Occies are generally more feisty and won't get along as well. Multies is the way to go.

Check out www.cichlid-forum.com and look under the 'Profiles' section and select Lake Tanganyika cichlids. Just look under the Neolamprologus genus and you should find exactly what you're looking for.

BV

 

[big54bob]

I think you could keep a pair of juilies with a small colony of shellers.

 

[Orion]

Multies are a very, very neat fish to watch. What they lack in color they can make up 1000 times in personality and the fun of watching them.

If you already have a 29 gallon tank, then it's fine to use. But most places I've seen, 29's are much more expensive than a 20L. Multies won't make use of the extra space a 29 will provide, however the extra water isn't a bad thing. In other words, if you've already got a 29, no reason not to use it, but if not I might save the extra money and get a 20L for these guys.

For substrate any fine sand will work. Don't worry about decor. They need at least 3 shells per adult fish, and they will move the sand around as it suits them. You'd be surprised at how much a male multie can move sand in a day!

 

[d3sc3n7]

Yup, I have a 29 ready to go. So aquarium sand is good? Or could I use play sand? (MUCH Cheaper!!) Where to find shells? So many questions!

Edit: These?!

 

[d3sc3n7]

Also, if I get some "shellies" how many should I get? Just a pair, so they can breed and the young can have room to live?

 

[Orion]

Play sand is fine, just make sure it doesn't have any metal shavings in it.

As for shells, I've bought from unique aquarium decorations with breeding in mind. fish breeding made easy in the past. Large selection, and not to bad prices for what we're paying for. The turbo shells and whales eye on the first page of the breeding shells are good for shellies like multies.

Can't really say how many to get without knowing what species. With multies, one male to 3-4 females will yield lots of fry in a fairly short amount of time, but you can always start with just a trio of one male to 2 females.

 

[d3sc3n7]

Ok, so the plan is!

Get the 29 back up, using a sand substrate. Get some shells, probably alot (but thats ok, they are really cheap) Then, here is the problem! Deciding which breed! These are my choice, the wife will have to pick hers...see which ones we agree on, then go from there.

There are the ones I'm looking at, to start. I really like #3 and #6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

 

[alter40]

Of those two that you mentioned I like #3 the most I think. They get 5" though. That would have to be a decent sized shell, or do they stop living in the shells once they get larger?

They all look pretty neat though.

 

[d3sc3n7]

This is where Orion comes in. Cause I have no clue. I like the look of them, and that they get a big bigger.