Can such fish be mixed?
- Thread starter sketchsurfer
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i very nearly started a tank like this not too long ago, but moving house put a stop to my plans.
i already had an established colony of multies, and i thought about introducing a calvus. the tank would have been set up in a specific way, with lots of rock work to one side, and a large open area filled with shells on the other, the idea being that the two species would stick to their own habitats.
i thought that the calvus would be a good way to keep the multi population in check, as it was bound to catch a few fry every now and again, no matter how protective the parents were.
i already had an established colony of multies, and i thought about introducing a calvus. the tank would have been set up in a specific way, with lots of rock work to one side, and a large open area filled with shells on the other, the idea being that the two species would stick to their own habitats.
i thought that the calvus would be a good way to keep the multi population in check, as it was bound to catch a few fry every now and again, no matter how protective the parents were.
Thanks! Yeah I have a calvus right now and the fish aren't really that large anyway. Actually they are way undersized i feel which is okay, they're character is still intact. Although the Tangs that i have are in the 20 gallon tank. i probably could get a couple shell dwellers at the most. Think that's about right? I am a still studying in school and cant exactly keep buying more tanks yet until im finished.
i have a 20gL with occies and julies, and i really wish i had a bigger tank. My problem was that the biggest julie took over the tank, even with the rocks all on one side. The only thing that has kept him in check is that I have fry now, so he is constantly in the rocks looking out for them, and not roaming the rest of the tank. You can do it, and i'm sure it depends on the personality of your fish, but I think a 20g is a bit tight.
Wow, yeah I will have to think carefully before choosing to go for it. Thanks by the way =). I did have that problem too but I noticed by having a danio in the tank the cichlid that took control of the tank became too distracted by the danio to bully anyone else. Once you run out of fry, you may want to try a danio to regulate the tank if you wish. just a future tip 
Neolamp. leleupi are not a good choice of tankmate for shellwellers. They have been known to forcefully eject a brooding mother from a shell just to get to her fry. Simply put, not a good idea.
Though the 20gl may seem sparse now it won't be too long before you'll need more space for just the fish you have. You need to carefully research the fish you choose. You can most definitely mix shellies with other tangs but you have to be careful who they're mixed with. Consider your tank space, number of rockdwellers, number of shelldwellers and rock/shelldwellers. Fish like Alto's have no problem invading a shelldwellers are seeking shelter in one of their shells. Some shellies are not going to stick to just shells.
For now, I suggest you stick to what you have and not worry about more fish until you upgrade. If and when you do decide on a larger tank and still want shellies I would advise a larger growing and more aggressive species and introducing them to the new tank first to hold their own against the Neolamps.
Though the 20gl may seem sparse now it won't be too long before you'll need more space for just the fish you have. You need to carefully research the fish you choose. You can most definitely mix shellies with other tangs but you have to be careful who they're mixed with. Consider your tank space, number of rockdwellers, number of shelldwellers and rock/shelldwellers. Fish like Alto's have no problem invading a shelldwellers are seeking shelter in one of their shells. Some shellies are not going to stick to just shells.
For now, I suggest you stick to what you have and not worry about more fish until you upgrade. If and when you do decide on a larger tank and still want shellies I would advise a larger growing and more aggressive species and introducing them to the new tank first to hold their own against the Neolamps.
That would be a great idea. Shellies are very interesting little creatures and would be awesome to watch in their own species tank. There are a number of species to choose from, some easier to find, others not quite so, but it's my experience that each and every one of them has endearing qualities to them. Even hyperaggressive L. boulengeri, the ferocious beast in a tiny shell-dwelling package. lol