Im in the process of cycling a 20 gallon tank and getting everything sorted out. Im looking into getting a few shell-dwelling cichlids, in particular Lamprologus meleagris, or Lamprologus occelatus. The only shell-dweller's I can find locally are Neolamprologus multifasciatus, but they aren't in the greatest condition. A lfs is going to be looking for "golden occelatus" (Lamprologus occelatus?) for me. I just had a few questions on stocking and decoration/equipment.
I currently have a Bio-Wheel Power Filter Penguin 100, submersible heater, a few shells, some clay pots, and play sand for substrate. Im worried about the size of the shells I have, most of the openings seem rather small and I don't know where to find bigger ones. All of the lfs around me have shells for hermit crabs, but they all seem small as well. I heard empty escargot shells are good but haven't had any luck finding them either. The general rule is 2 shells per fish correct? I was also wondering if it was ok to have the pots in the aquarium. I know the fish like to move their little homes themselves, and the pots may be too heavy or too big. Are there any plants that would be good to have, or is it better to leave the tank bare?
Here are a few pictures of the tank as of now.
As far as stocking I was looking at a trio with 1 male and 2 females hopefully. I was also looking into possibly getting some wrestling halfbeaks, not sure if they are compatible or not though. I know for them I would need to get some floating plants.
Im new to cichlids so I want to make sure I have everything needed for them. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I currently have a Bio-Wheel Power Filter Penguin 100, submersible heater, a few shells, some clay pots, and play sand for substrate. Im worried about the size of the shells I have, most of the openings seem rather small and I don't know where to find bigger ones. All of the lfs around me have shells for hermit crabs, but they all seem small as well. I heard empty escargot shells are good but haven't had any luck finding them either. The general rule is 2 shells per fish correct? I was also wondering if it was ok to have the pots in the aquarium. I know the fish like to move their little homes themselves, and the pots may be too heavy or too big. Are there any plants that would be good to have, or is it better to leave the tank bare?
Here are a few pictures of the tank as of now.
As far as stocking I was looking at a trio with 1 male and 2 females hopefully. I was also looking into possibly getting some wrestling halfbeaks, not sure if they are compatible or not though. I know for them I would need to get some floating plants.
Im new to cichlids so I want to make sure I have everything needed for them. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
