I want to start a shell dweller tank soon. My lfs has a lot of Brevis, and 1 Neolamprologus occellatus. Another shop where I'll be moving to in a couple weeks regularly carries multis. Is it ok to mix these different kinds of shell dwellers? I like them all!!!!
Mixing Shell Dwellers
- Thread starter sman91wing
- Start date
I've done a little research myself, and thought I'd share. It looks like you will probably have to make a decision on which type of shellie to keep. I don't think it's advisable to have more than one type in your tank. I'm planning on keeping multies when I can get the tank ready.
http://www.aquaria.info/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=27432&highlight=
http://www.aquaria.info/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=27432&highlight=
I agree with wesellguns - mixing shellies isn't a good idea unless you have a really large tank (55 gallon or above).
Eric
Eric
Even in a large tank, I would be afraid of them hybridizing. I've heard, at least, not to keep brevis's and occelatus's together because they will readily hybridize...Even if this has no solid facts behind it, it's always better safe than sorry.
I would stick to one specie. If the tank is large enough (at least a 20g L), you may want to look into a small rock dwelling specie if you want more than one specie in the tank. I have J. transcriptus in with my brevis's, all works out pretty well.
I would stick to one specie. If the tank is large enough (at least a 20g L), you may want to look into a small rock dwelling specie if you want more than one specie in the tank. I have J. transcriptus in with my brevis's, all works out pretty well.
Mixing them will be fine if you select the right species. Do not keep two species of the same genus together. They will hybridize. You will be fine if you mix say a species of neolamprologus with a lamprologus species.
ok, well I'm thinking about getting 2-4 Brevis. Would it be possible to also keep tiger barbs in there? I've heard of people doing that, that the shell dwellers will protect their shell but not pursue anything.
mixing shellies
I have a 30 gal with a pair of n. beuscheri and n. brevis .... no problems.....another tank has a colony of brevis and a pair of angels. I do not mess with the ph of my tap water........angels, brevis, buescheries, hap ahlis, yellow labs, bristlenose plecos, peacocks, and others have bred in this water for me.
I have a 30 gal with a pair of n. beuscheri and n. brevis .... no problems.....another tank has a colony of brevis and a pair of angels. I do not mess with the ph of my tap water........angels, brevis, buescheries, hap ahlis, yellow labs, bristlenose plecos, peacocks, and others have bred in this water for me.