shellie tank

[KribFreak]

I just bought a 40 gallon tank, with a stand that's not even worth dog s#@%, and some stuff to go with it for $25. I'm planning on putting some shellies in. What are some good ones to put in that are easy to breed and easy to care for? Can I use play sand, and what are some cheap alternatives for shells, besides spending a whole bunch of money on hermit crab shells?

 

[freddyk]

Most shelldwellers are easy to breed, what type you choose is personal preference as well as what's available in your area. You can certainly use playsand - remember to rinse it well first. For shells I've had good luck with apple snail shells, which I take for free from my lfs snail tank. Escargot shells work well too.

 

[Icabob]

If you're interested in having shellies shipped to your house for about $15, and $5 a fish, I have a friend in Florida that can send you some Neolamprologus Multis shellies. They are really easy to care for, I'd get 10-15 adults to start a 40 gallon. PM me for his email adress if you're interested.

Also, I can sell you Gold Mouthed Turbo Snail shells (VERY PRETTY). I'll sell you 70 shells (Would be all the shells you would need.) for $35 plus shipping for $7. Thats $.50 a shell. PM me if you're interested in these as well.

 

[KribFreak]

Would it be OK if I used rocks from my other tank( I got them from my grandpa's fields), and what kind of plants should I use. I'm already going to use fake plants so that I don't have to worry about the shellies constantly digging them up. Should I use a sponge filter?

 

[freddyk]

Yes, you can use those rocks, and any type of plants you want. They generally won't dig up plants anyway if you don't place the shells near them. I've seen some nice planted shelldweller tanks. You can use any filter you wish.