Shells for a shellie tank

[67chevelle]

I found the aragonite sand for this tank, and the Eco complete for the other 29 I am setting up too. I have painted the backgrounds on them and letting them dry. I think I am going to put 10 Lamprologus ocellatus, and 5 Altolamprologus calvus in this tank. Any thoughts on the livestock? Will these two work together?

 

[jpappy789]

AFAIK occies wont form a colony as easily as multis and are more of a harem breeder. I don't think a 29g would have nearly enough space for more than a couple male territories so make sure you are certain about which sex you are getting if you go with that many initially.

The calvus will eventually outgrow the 29g, although they are apparently a slow growing species. That being said, I wouldn't do 5 and would stick to more a pair or trio (1m/2f) or something along those lines. Also keep in mind they have fairly large mouths. I'm not sure at what point, if any, an adult size occie would be in trouble...but fry/juvies might not last long. Just my thoughts though...

 

[67chevelle]

Yeah I see your point. I would not mind just going with a single species shellie in this tank, it just seems like with the height of a 29 it would be a waste of space. Trying to figure out some mid swimmers that may work. Not sure if there are any though.

 

[jpappy789]

Livebearers and rainbows seem to be the most commonly suggested due to water chemistry preferences...but I doubt you would have issues adding any of the normal sized danios, rasboras, barbs, etc. so long as they aren't too nippy.

 

[67chevelle]

I'm trying to stay with tangs though.

 

[jpappy789]

There's not much in terms of open water species outside of Cyps which need much more space.

I would go with a Julidochromis pair myself. They cling to the rockwork so if you 'scaped it well you could make better use of the height. Adding plants like Vallisneria (which always seem to do well in harder water IME) would also give the tank more dimension.

 

[67chevelle]

I think if i go with Julies, which have crossed my mind several times, I would go with some Sumbu dwarfs then. Would a pair of Lamps work with that too? Or should I just stay with the pair of Julies?

Decisions, decisions....

 

[jpappy789]

I prefer to go shell + rock species given the floor space you have. If you do want just the occies and sumbus then you would want to break up the separate shell areas physically and visually. I doubt there would be enough room for all three species.

 

[67chevelle]

If I go with the Sumbu, then I would not get the occies. So I'm thinking like 8 sumbu, a pair of Julies, and a pair of lamps.

 

[jpappy789]

I honestly doubt all three would end up with enough room, but I'm not 100% sure because I haven't done this mixture myself.