Do Shelldwellers Eat Snails?

[ptyson21]

As the title says: Do shelldwellers eat snails? Also what else do they eat?
Cheers

 

[stang1]

As far as I know they will not eat snails but they will move them if they get too close to their shell.

 

[ptyson21]

As far as I know they will not eat snails but they will move them if they get too close to their shell.

Really? What happens? When you get the fish do they nominate their own shells? Also do you think this set up will be ok:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=196605&hl=

 

[stang1]

Ideally, they need plenty of floor space and plenty of shells. I have 9 Multis and about 30 shells which seems ok but I do plan on adding even more shells.
They will claim more than one as their own and even end up covering some with sand. They like to dig around in the substrate and you will see them scooping it in their mouths and spitting it out elsewhere. They do this as they prefer to have their shells on the bare bottom of the tank and also to get the tank the way they want it!

 

[ptyson21]

Ideally, they need plenty of floor space and plenty of shells. I have 9 Multis and about 30 shells which seems ok but I do plan on adding even more shells.
They will claim more than one as their own and even end up covering some with sand. They like to dig around in the substrate and you will see them scooping it in their mouths and spitting it out elsewhere. They do this as they prefer to have their shells on the bare bottom of the tank and also to get the tank the way they want it!

Sounds good. I have got fertiliser beneath my sand, will thats be a problem for them? put it in there so the plants would grow.

 

[stang1]

You could have a real problem keeping plants with shelldwellers as they like to dig in the substrate. You'll probably find that they will constantly dig up your plants I'm afraid. Only thing I can suggest is to anchor them to something and hope they are ok.
I've answered in your other thread by the way.

 

[ptyson21]

You could have a real problem keeping plants with shelldwellers as they like to dig in the substrate. You'll probably find that they will constantly dig up your plants I'm afraid. Only thing I can suggest is to anchor them to something and hope they are ok.
I've answered in your other thread by the way.

yeah cool, cheers. Damn i bought fertiliser to help with the plant growth but now have decided to get shelldwellers but it turs out i wont be able to keep them, that sucks!! dunno wat to do!! Think i could dig in my community tank n put the fertiliser underneath the gravel?

 

[stang1]

I'm really not sure to be honest. Might be best to ask in the Planted tanks forum.

 

[ptyson21]

I'm really not sure to be honest. Might be best to ask in the Planted tanks forum.

They already have led on them so that could keep them down, but i could put them in wee pots which will look natural too, good idea?

 

[stang1]

Sounds ok but it wil be a case of wait and see! I believe some people have tied Java Fern and Anubias to rocks to help solve the problem.

 

[ptyson21]

Sounds ok but it wil be a case of wait and see! I believe some people have tied Java Fern and Anubias to rocks to help solve the problem.

yeah i already have java fern on some slates in the tank. As for what you were talking about on the other thread think ill just stick to shelldwellers then n no surface. So you think i should just get multis?

 

[stang1]

I think Multis will keep you entertained for hours!
I wanted some other fish because I thought the tank would look bare and a little boring but these little 'uns have so much character! I have literally spent hours watching them.

 

[ptyson21]

I think Multis will keep you entertained for hours!
I wanted some other fish because I thought the tank would look bare and a little boring but these little 'uns have so much character! I have literally spent hours watching them.

cool so do ijust walk into the lfs n ask for multis?

 

[stang1]

I know our lfs has a section for just Tanganikyan fish, don't know if yours is the same? I got mine from Maidenhead Aquatics, not sure if you have one your way.
If you ask for Neolamprologus Multifasciatus, they will know what you are after.

 

[ptyson21]

I know our lfs has a section for just Tanganikyan fish, don't know if yours is the same? I got mine from Maidenhead Aquatics, not sure if you have one your way.
If you ask for Neolamprologus Multifasciatus, they will know what you are after.

cool ill make a note of that when i go down to get them. cheers for your help mate.