Can it be done?

[sketchsurfer]

Hi! I am a pretty well rounded freshwater-fish keeper for several years. And as of now I have no fish or tanks running, but am more than ready to start a new one up again!


This time however, I will be using a 20 Gallon Long (not tall) tank.
I plan to have shelldwellers (Calvus Cichlid): only a Pair. It may sound like a boring group of just 2, and I can agree since I like communities; but I was told that Calvus have more personality and maybe once I make sure they are comfortable I can add one more friendly Cichlid species (but that's not in the picture yet).

Soooo...
RIght now, I have found those two awesome Calvus Cichlid's at my local pet store!

----and have probably the biggest test of my fish raising skills, ever.

I would like some help from the experienced please on this issue so I can make sure im not getting too far over myself.


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What's going down:
- The trick is, I will be driving 3 hours back to my home.
- I do not have a waiting tank there, but I can set up a tank in 15 minutes with proper water controls. (eventually I plan to add more stuff for the fish to hide in)
- I will let the fish place know that I have a 3 hours drive and hopefully they will give the bag enough air to sustain the small Calvus (they're tiny)
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I would rather not have to buy over mail as some fish come to my door sick or thrashed from the shipping.

My big question is, can this be done? And if so what other ideas could there be that I might overlook?

Thanks guys! Your input will be taken seriously.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Well, Clavus arn't shelldwellers...but they are a neat fish. What are the dimisions of that tank?

 

[sketchsurfer]

oh ok i pull back the shell part. The tank is your usual 20 Gallon Long: 30" x 12" x 12"

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I'd say yes it could be done. But most people on here will tell you i like to push the limits, espeically when stocking...so take that for what you will.

A pair would probably be good (Thats after they grow and pair). Calvus are natural hunters so most smaller fish would be prey.

Are you planning on buying them small? They are very slow growers so be prepared for that.

 

[sketchsurfer]

yes i will probably keep just the two fish as they need all the room they can get.
Natural hunters? - very cool

I actually will be buying them as young so they will be like an inch long.
I think I heard about them being slow growers yeah, was it like 3 years for their maximum size? It's all fine to me.

And I was told these guys might need some salt? (like in doses of those cichlid salt containters.)

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Only salt i would recommend or even suggest use (i don't use any) is something that buffs the pH. If your pH is already good then don't mess with it. Even if its not really high as long as its nothing like really below neutral you should be ok.

But there is salt in pH buffers, its like a mixture of Epsom Salt, Marine salt, and Baking Soda. I can't really say because i don't use it and i'm not 100%. Otherwise i'd say no to salt.

 

[sketchsurfer]

Thanks! I will carry this out then =) Should be a fun one.