First Tanganyikan tank

thrak76

AC Members
May 31, 2009
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Hi folks!

I recently received some Neolamprologus multifasciatus fry from a friend of mine in my local club (Michiana Aquarium Society). I kept them in a QT tank for a couple of weeks while i got their species tank set up.

I used some chunks of red granite to build my rock wall. I placed egg crate in the bottom of the 16g bowfront to protect the glass. I used some silicone to tack the rocks the together, and hopefully prevent any toppling. I did spend quite a bit of time fitting these together though, so that they would be as sturdy as possible without the silicone.
shelliestankconstruction.jpg


I then filled in around the rocks with some pool filter sand.
shellietankconstruction.jpg


Lastly, i filled it up, got the water to temp, placed my seasoned filter in, and sprinkled a generous supply of shells in the foreground.
shelliestank.jpg


They're a bit hard to see, but there are 9 shellies in there. I've already witnessed some "construction" activity around the shells by a few individuals. They seem to have settled right in.

Thanks for viewing!
 
I'm sorry... what are these fish? Shellies?
 
They're Neolamprologus multifasciatus. Shell dwellers. They claim their shells and spend a lot of time in and around the shells. Hence: Shellies. :)
 
Thanks...
 
Cool! On last pic I see 2 multies that already appear to be young adults. Remember that males grow only to 2 inches and females are smaller. Remember also that in a shellie tank, you can add the amount of rock you wish; but the most important thing are shells as much as no less than 3 shells for each fish. Nice tank!
 
:iagree:

I would personally remove the rock and just go with more shells since thats all they need. With 9 fish you'll want more than what you currently have. I tended to go with more like 3-4 per fish myself. The more shells the merrier.
 
Well, i really dig the look of the rock. I want to enjoy the scape, too. I'm used to having planted tanks, so i can't just have a tank with shells only in it. ;) Plus, i have observed (and enjoy watching) them swimming about through the cracks in the rocks.
After the advice, i added a few more shells, and now i have 27 shells in there. That's all i have for shells! I ordered 25, and got a couple bonus shells.
 
27 shells is a very good amount for 9 multies (3 per fish). :thumbsup:
 
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