help with my 20g shellie tank

[corvyn9]

I've come across a few different opinions on adding salt to the setup, is this something people normally do with Tanganyikan tanks? I'm a bit unsure about the amount to add as well, I've heard it's not a lot, but I don't want to overdo it.

Also, if I do end up getting a calvus (they're gorgeous, by the way), how many multis would be safe to keep with it? I know I'm asking a lot of questions, but this is my first cichlid tank and I want to make sure I get it right.

[corvyn9]

Also, about the calvus... even if I get a small one, won't it eventually outgrow my tank? I've read they can reach up to 6 inches - that's a lot of fish for a 20g. I'm not sure when I'll be able to upgrade, this is already my fourth tank and I don't see a fifth one in the near future, so I want to make sure I'm making the right call here.

[fluxon4]

For a 20-gallon setup, I'd recommend Seachem's cichlid lake salt at a dose of 3 teaspoons initially, then adjust to 1.5 teaspoons per 10 gallons for water changes. I've got a small 1-inch white Calvus that lives with my multis, no issues. For stocking, I'd suggest 2 males and 4 females, plus the small Calvus. Once your shellies start breeding, you'll have a great setup. Don't worry about asking questions, that's what we're here for. As for the Calvus, yes, they can grow up to 5-6 inches in the wild, but in a 20-gallon tank, they'll likely top out at 3 inches, and that'll take 4-5 years.

[corvyn9]

I was thinking about adding some apple snails to the mix - I've always been a fan of those little guys. Not sure if it'd work with the multis, but I thought I'd throw it out there. I've decided against the calvus, to be honest - I just don't feel right about putting a fish that can grow to 6" in a 20g tank, seems unfair to the fish. Any thoughts on the snails, though?