help with my 20g shellie tank

[corvyn9]

Just set up my own office space at work and I'm planning to get a 10g tank going - still need to get the water tested for pH, hardness, and all that jazz. Tentatively got the green light, so I'm starting to think about stocking. I want something a bit unique, not your run-of-the-mill community setup. Any suggestions?

[Burst]

Considering your unique setup, I'd suggest a pair of German blue rams, but I'm not sure about keeping blue rams together, so let's focus on other options.

- A pair of German gold rams could work beautifully in your 10g tank.
- 12 cherry shrimp would add a lovely pop of color and be quite entertaining.
- Alternatively, you could have 10 cherry shrimp and pair them with 2 dwarf gouramis for some added interest.
- 3 platies might be a bit too plain for what you're looking for, but they're definitely a classic choice.
- If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a freshwater crayfish with a betta - just be sure to avoid tiny fish that the crayfish might see as prey.
- 4 ADFs are another option, but keep in mind they can be messy and require a strong filter.
- A single molly could also thrive in your tank, just be sure to keep it solo.

That's all I've got for now - hope these ideas help you get started on stocking your new tank.

[fluxon4]

Lake Tanganyikan shell dwellers, a small colony can thrive in a 10g tank, Multis are my top pick, no fuss with plants, just sand, shells, and some rockwork. I started with 6 in a 10 gal and they were happy as clams, bred a few times too.

[fluxon4]

20 gal is ideal, but 10 gal works just fine for shellies, I've had great success with them. I'd recommend checking out L. multifaciatus - they're my top pick, but you can also look into L. ocellatus, L. brevis, and L. similis. Multis are the best in my book, you won't regret setting up a shellie tank, trust me.

[corvyn9]

I've decided on a 20g, and I actually have a perfect spot in my office for it - there's a 32" gap that I can fill with the tank. I'm leaning towards the multis, they seem pretty easy to find here but they're definitely on the pricier side.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend some supplements or additives I should pick up? It'll be a few weeks before I can start setting up, but I can start buying the smaller stuff now.

Also, are there any good tank mates for the multis, or should I just stick to a species tank? I've also been wondering if they'll swim all over the tank or stick to certain areas.

[fluxon4]

You won't regret setting up a shellie tank, Multis are fantastic little fish. For additives, do you know if you're in a soft or hard water area? If it's hard, no problem, just grab a commercial lake salt - Seachem and Kent marine do some. If it's soft, it's a bit more complicated, but you can easily get the right water by adding sodium bicarbonate and magnesium sulphate, both of which are available in your local supermarket. Get plenty of escargot shells, which you can find online. I'd personally go for a species tank only, but if you want to add something, a small Calvus might work - they're slow-growing and peaceful. Mine doesn't bother my shellies, and if he does get too close, they defend their young like a rottweiler with a bone.

[corvyn9]

I'm in a soft water area, so I'm not sure if I should add lake salt or just the other stuff. I know I'll need to add sodium bicarbonate and magnesium sulphate, but what are those commonly called? I've already ordered a bunch of shells online, probably way too many, but I'm excited to get this tank going.

Also, are there any algae-eaters that would be safe to keep with the multis? Maybe some snails or a fish that's not too competitive?

[fluxon4]

I've got mixed feelings about adding lake salts to a Tang setup, but Seachem's Cichlid Lake salt is pretty affordable and for a 20-gallon tank, you won't be using a lot - around 3 teaspoons for the initial setup, then adjust to your weekly water changes. I'd recommend getting a couple of extra test kits for G.h and K.h, but to be honest, I ran my shellie tank with just lake salts and they seemed happy, breeding regularly. Not sure about Tanganyikan algae eaters, but in a 20-gallon tank, I'd stick to just shellies - the more shells you give them, the happier they'll be. Do you know what your pH is? Bicarb of Soda is just baking soda, by the way, and Magnesium Sulphate is Epsom salts - easy to get hold of.

[corvyn9]

Just got the water test results from my office - pH is somewhere between 7.5 and 8.0, it's too dark for 7.5 but too light for 8.0. GH is 200ppm and KH is 90ppm. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what this means... I get the pH, but I'm new to the whole GH and KH testing thing.

[fluxon4]

Your readings seem decent, pH's a tad low but if it's constant it's manageable. I'd recommend adding commercial lake salts to your tank, I personally use Seachem's, your local fish store should have it or an alternative. If not, you can always get it online. As for adding other fish, you might want to consider Altolamprologus Calvus, or Calvus for short. One should be fine with your shellies, just get a small one - they're slow growers. They do prey on fry, but your shellies will defend their young. When your shellies start breeding, it's not the end of the world if you lose a few fry.