keeping neolamprologus multifasciatus

[dorvex]

I think it's pretty natural for them to bury shells and move the sand around, can't see why they'd hate it. More like the fishkeeper hates it, 'cause it messes up the tank's appearance with shells buried and sand piled up. I'm happy to let them do their thing, it's what comes naturally to them.

[zenrow]

Enjoying the sight of all the digging and shifting, reminds me of my punctatus, they're experts at relocating the sand to one end of the tank. Same natural behaviour as the multies, they'll move it around to get the shells on a firmer base. Not saying ditch the sand entirely, just that the multies will do their thing. Found a neat trick with slate - placing different thicknesses at the bottom, then covering with sand. Amazing how many shellies will breed in those small gaps, great for fry to hide in and under the shells, plus it beats staring at the glass bottom.

[dorvex]

Just an update, only areas with no shells are getting excavated, the rest seems fine. No plans to change the sand depth, it's staying as is - I like it, and the multis seem to be settling in nicely, already showing what looks like breeding behaviour.

[dorvex]

The tank has really settled down now, looks great.

Got a few photos of the Multis to share, they're really starting to show off their colours.

[zenrow]

I'd advise against going overboard with the sand, if you want to see these fun little fish thrive. They're not too fond of it, preferring to shift it away from their shells to rest on a firmer base.

In terms of tank layout, you've got plenty of options. I found covering the entire tank floor with 3-4 layers of shells and no sand worked a treat - lots of fry and hiding places. That being said, if you place the shells at either end of the tank, you might end up with two small colonies, which is also a blast to watch.

They have only excavated area with no shells sitting on it....

Regardless this tank will stay with the thickness of sand it has....i prefer it and it seems they do to as they are already starting what looks to be breeding behaviour