Shellie question

**Scrup** · 09-27-2010, 01:42 AM

Is there any type of shell to avoid? Tight spirals is one thing I have read, seems the can get stuck in them. just want to make sure there is not anything I am missing. Is weight an issue?

**Lab_Rat** · 09-27-2010, 02:19 AM

I just threw some random shells in there with mine. None have tight spirals. I have holey rock in their tank too, some prefer that to shells.

**Scrup** · 09-27-2010, 02:38 AM

ok cool. I got both today. need some smaller shells though, I keep seeing them try to carry them around and they can't pick them up. Kinda funny but sad at the same time.

**Lab_Rat** · 09-27-2010, 02:50 AM

Yes, they like to redecorate. I swear mine have a miniature bulldozer they use to move sand around at night.

**Sarkazmo** · 09-27-2010, 02:55 AM

Babylonis Spirata (large)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_1778wt_911

and

Gold Mouth Turbo Snail Shells

http://cichlidbreeding.com/products.php?cat=10

... are what I use. Now I've got so many fry it's crazy!!!!

Another option are artificial shells made from PVC pipe elbows, short lengths of PVC pipe and end caps. Dry fit together, don't cement. When you need to get a fish out of it's "shell" you just take it apart and the fish swims out.

Sark

**korith** · 09-27-2010, 05:27 AM

I've got a few diff types of shells, turbo shells work well, spirata babylon shells have a nice look to them. I was able to get some whale eye shells from ebay, around 100 for $12.

If you want them to be able to rearrange their shells and tank, lighter shells are good.

**190MPH** · 09-27-2010, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Lab_Rat

Yes, they like to redecorate. I swear mine have a miniature bulldozer they use to move sand around at night.

Lol, I thought the same thing! Isn't it amazing what they can do for such a little fish?

**Sarkazmo** · 09-27-2010, 12:38 PM

Mine move a lot of substrate as well. Primarily the females though. As for Whale Eye shells, I got several of those as well but my Multies won't go in them or do anything with them.

Sark

**korith** · 09-27-2010, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by Sarkazmo

Mine move a lot of substrate as well. Primarily the females though. As for Whale Eye shells, I got several of those as well but my Multies won't go in them or do anything with them.

Sark

That's odd, but I guess every multi has it's own preference for the type of shell they like. Half the shells in my tank are whale eyes, and they seem to be lived just as much as any other shell.