20 Gallon Long Shell Dweller Tank Videos & Photos Added!!!

**jeffs99dime** · 10-07-2012, 02:53 AM

Just picked up a 20g long tank and oak stand to soon start up a Tang shell dweller tank. I have my 55 and 30g tanks, both of which were planted, SA and tetra community tanks in storage now due to space constraints. I have been researching Shelly's/ setup for a few weeks now and am very excited to finally be back in the hobby. I have wanted to keep African Cichlids for a very long time and now I will finally be able to. To be honest, a few members here have inspired me to go the Shelly route after seeing what they were able to accomplish like MCHRKiller and Northerly. I'm thinking I will go with all new filters, lighting, heater, etc. for this tank as I would like to keep the other tanks' equipment and such for those tanks when I get them back up and running. Any comments, suggestions on stocking list, equipment, substrate type, ect. would be greatly appreciated.

**Cliff** · 10-07-2012, 03:00 AM

I really don't know a whole lot about shell dwellers, but I'm looking forward to seeing this set-up develop over time

**jeffs99dime** · 10-07-2012, 03:01 AM

Originally Posted by Cliff

I really don't know a whole lot about shell dwellers, but I'm looking forward to seeing this set-up develop over time

So am I. lol
I will definitely update as I go.

**Taurus** · 10-07-2012, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by jeffs99dime

To be honest, a few members here have inspired me to go the Shelly route after seeing what they were able to accomplish like MCHRKiller and Northerly.

I share your opinion. There have been quite a few new shellie setups over the past few months that look great. Good luck with yours.

**Lady Hobbs** · 10-07-2012, 01:53 PM

OK. Who here had that cute shellie tank that was full of shells. I loved that tank and now can't remember who the tank belonged to.

**Taurus** · 10-07-2012, 02:35 PM

Ya mean this one?

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=91137

**Lady Hobbs** · 10-07-2012, 06:05 PM

That's it!!!!!! Thank you. I thought that tank was really cute.

**jeffs99dime** · 10-08-2012, 01:47 AM

Just picked up a glass versa top and 20lb bag of Eco Complete sand. I pick up Eheim canister and heater on Tues. I decided to keep my other Eheim canisters with their respective tanks for when I decide to set them up again.

**jeffs99dime** · 10-08-2012, 06:05 PM

Question for those of you who keep Africans:
Do you use Arogonite or something similar in your filters to add buffering capacity to your tank in addition to your substrate. Is it necessary? Thanks a lot.

**mommy1** · 10-08-2012, 06:49 PM

These are my favorite shellies if you can find them, and here is some info about them if you are interested; http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_L..._stappersi.php

Test your water before you worry about needing buffers, or maybe you already have and know that you do need them, in which case I apologize for the assumption and ignore this. It depends on your water if you need to use buffers or not. I am lucky enough to have liquid rock for water and since it's perfect for Africans I don't need to worry about it.