Shell dwellers
- Thread starter DMD123
- Start date
Im liking my inkfin quite a bit and was hoping to add another but my 30 is just too small. Was wanting another fish that could be solo with the group of shellies but apparently not really anything or it would just be too aggressive.
Decided to order a different food for these guys. I was using a New Life Spectrum 1mm cichlid pellet but it seemed a bit big so I ordered the grow formula that comes in a .5mm. I had read on other sites that this was the food of choice for the small shellies but at the time it was high priced so I passed on it and did the cichlid 1mm. I started using the 1mm stuff on my community tank so no loss there.
I am asking Sand city Cichlids if they have any coupons coming up... The price on my fish is $6 cheaper than Wet Spot if I order from them. So $18 saved in fish, but their shipping is higher. A coupon would be nice!
Sand City Cichlids $16 per fish (x3) = $48 + $55.30 shipping = $103.30
Wet Spot $22 per fish, 10% off this upcoming weekend = $59.40 + $30 shipping = $89.40
Sand City Cichlids $16 per fish (x3) = $48 + $55.30 shipping = $103.30
Wet Spot $22 per fish, 10% off this upcoming weekend = $59.40 + $30 shipping = $89.40
Keep us updated on sand city, and on a different note, I have been feeding my multies flake formula for cichlids
Possible interest in joining up on another order? lol
I havent fed flake food in a long time... might be worth a try for me too.
Question... probably directed at @sir_keith, Do I need to worry, adding in three smaller Lamprologus Occelatus Gold in with my existing group of four slightly larger ones? Aggression toward new fish being too severe?
That's difficult to predict, but if you have an abundance of shells- and I mean lots of shells- they should all find safe places to hide until things settle down. That said, do keep an eye on them initially for any signs that a particular fish is being harassed. I'd like to see more shells than in this pic, which you posted earlier; at least twice as many-
What's going on with the four you already have? Are they just hanging out singly? This will affect how the newcomers are welcomed. Fingers crossed.
That's good news. If they're still behaving like juveniles- hanging out together and schooling- it will be easier for the newcomers to be accepted into the group.
As for the shells, you're seeing 36 shells in the tank; I'm seeing 5 groups of shells, each of which could be monopolized by a single bonded pair. I'd add more shells along the back of the tank, and not be afraid of crowding them together. Once pair-bonding begins, they're going to rearrange everything anyway.
Im still tempted to add a rock dweller into the mix... a group of Julidochromis maybe?
I would add some more rockwork, likely in the left corner if I did that. Leaning towards the transcriptus if I do decide to add another element to the little tank.
Just want some more movement or action in this tank, it just is so bleek in there.
I would add some more rockwork, likely in the left corner if I did that. Leaning towards the transcriptus if I do decide to add another element to the little tank.
Just want some more movement or action in this tank, it just is so bleek in there.
Okay some confusion... In my readings Ive seen that some say you can keep one Julidochromis. Yet the recommendation here has been to get a group until a pair forms and then get rid of the rest. What if I dont want a breeding pair? Why cant I keep one solo like my calvus? Ive been looking at the smaller Julidochromis and from what I gather the transcriptus, stay small and are not know to be overly aggressive. A little insight on this...
Yes, it can be done. It's not something I would do, but it can be done. That said, if you're looking to add 'more movement or action' to this tank, a single Julie is unlikely to do that, because these are somewhat secretive fishes, and a single specimen is likely to spend most of his/her time hiding. You only get interesting Julie behaviours with groups or pairs. Just my opinion...
One of the main reasons I chose the Occelatus was what I read up on them not being hiders in the shells like others could be. This has proven true with them being out and about a lot. Even with my hand in the tank they do not retreat in shells. Maybe just getting a few more might be enough to get the action in the tank that Im looking for.
Its tough because I kind of compare to the lively action in the 46g bowfront community and this tank just is very slow... I know once the calvus has some size there will be a bit more interest. I was hoping for another different lone fish or some small schooler that could work in this hard water tank AND not break the bank, lol. Tomorrow I was going to put in the Wet Spot order for more Occelatus so just wanted to get things finalized.
Its tough because I kind of compare to the lively action in the 46g bowfront community and this tank just is very slow... I know once the calvus has some size there will be a bit more interest. I was hoping for another different lone fish or some small schooler that could work in this hard water tank AND not break the bank, lol. Tomorrow I was going to put in the Wet Spot order for more Occelatus so just wanted to get things finalized.
I might take you up on that, thank you. Let me try a few more Occelatus, some more shells and see what happens.
I guess I need to bite the bullet and pay full price… Wet Spot does not have my Occelatus now so the 10% off sale does me no good. I know Sand City Cichlids has a lot but not wanting to spend $55 in shipping for just the 3 little fish. Maybe if others wanted to do a group buy… but really wanted the coupon deal.
Well, Sand City does have two different Callochromis species you might try. 
Just kidding!!! Callochromis are one of the most aggressive Tanganyikans I've ever encountered: they build huge nests, are insanely aggressive towards conspecifics, and demand tons of space; think one male in a 125. They are only 3-4"TL, look pretty and delicate, but looks can be deceiving. I've tried them a few times over the years, never with much success. Someday...
Just kidding!!! Callochromis are one of the most aggressive Tanganyikans I've ever encountered: they build huge nests, are insanely aggressive towards conspecifics, and demand tons of space; think one male in a 125. They are only 3-4"TL, look pretty and delicate, but looks can be deceiving. I've tried them a few times over the years, never with much success. Someday...
I just ordered a couple more shells. A different variety: 12 Extra Large Natural Japanese (Fairyland) Land Snail Shells 3" - 4"
These ones:
Amazon.com: Set of 12 Extra Large Natural Japanese (Fairyland) Land Snail Shells 3" - 4" Large Hermit Crab Beach Crafts Hobby Coastal Cottage : Home & Kitchen
Buy Set of 12 Extra Large Natural Japanese (Fairyland) Land Snail Shells 3" - 4" Large Hermit Crab Beach Crafts Hobby Coastal Cottage: Vase Fillers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
These ones: