10g shell dweller tank?

[Northerly]

ive recently been toying with the idea of converting my 10 gallon to a shell dweller setup. i have been doing some reading and it seems fairly straightforward i just had a few questions. like how are the fish priced? are there any online dealers that have a good reputation? what pH is ideal for the fish? and id also like to see a few examples of how you guys set up for your shell dweller habitats, just to get a few ideas.

[MLBfan]

The ideal pH for shell dwellers would be around 8.0 to a little higher, but of course a stable pH is better than a perfect pH.

[Northerly]

so im guessing a buffering substrate would be a good idea..?

[MLBfan]

Yeah along with many shells the pH, GH and KH should be good.

[Northerly]

nice thanks. are they expensive to set up? i cant imagine they would be but i saw a video and someone said 20-50 dollars per fish... that would certainly put the idea out the window for a while:p

[MLBfan]

I don't think they're that expensive, especially if you get the common ones. I saw some multis for sale on my Craigslist, they were $22 for a pair and 7 fry if I remember correctly.

[Northerly]

nice! thats totally doable. i bet i could get my setup damn near perfect for around 100 bucks.

[Mbuna]

Hi just thought I would step in and let you know that just adding coral sand will not buffer your Ph. It is a myth that it does so.

[Northerly]

aragonite buffers the pH doesnt it? thats what i was talking about.

[Northerly]

does anyone know of any reputable dealers online that stock shell dwellers? i was interested in Neolamprologus ocellatus gold, and Lamprologus multifasciatus. though i am not 100% on the stocking yet. any recommendations on stocking?