World's Smallest Cichlids | African Shell Dweller Tank

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  • Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
  • Today's video is the full setup of the African Shell Dweller Tank, the Fluval Flex 32.5. This is the complete set up of the shell dweller tank, and these fish are the smallest cichlids in the world. These shell dwellers come from Lake Tanganyika in Africa.
    Shellies have very unique personality and behavior, as they live, breed and make homes out of shells. Due to this, most shell dwellers can be kept in smaller tanks that are shorter, since most will occupy the bottom few inches of a tank.
    I chose Neolamprologus multifasciatus or "Multis" for short. These shell dwellers should establish a colony with breeding very soon, as they are a good size and my water parameters are ideal for Lake Tanganyikan fish.
    Merch - teespring.com/...
    If you're interested in any of the products used in the video, feel free to check out the Amazon affiliate links below:
    - Escargot Shells: amzn.to/3dV5dXC
    - Carib Sea Sand: amzn.to/3uHDyza
    - Xtreme Krill Flakes - geni.us/iTAWsN
    - Xtreme Nano Pellets: geni.us/SeOf
    Thanks again for watching, and we'll see you next week!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 149

  • @riteshfamily369
    @riteshfamily369 3 роки тому +5

    Beautiful video my friend 👍😇

  • @DJ00seven
    @DJ00seven 3 роки тому +1

    Bought the Fluval Flex 32 today and can’t wait to get the fish in there. I have watched this video so many times lol. Can’t wait. Thanks for posting

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому

      Thanks for watching! Best of luck with the setup!

  • @baconsarniesquadron9050
    @baconsarniesquadron9050 3 роки тому +6

    I have been waiting for shell dwellers!!!! I want to put a group of them in my 32 gal :)

    • @adammason4454
      @adammason4454 3 роки тому +3

      I do think multis are the best. The others tend to be a bit more aggressive and you they eat their fry. Multis form colonies and raise their young in them.

  • @DreamWeaverPets
    @DreamWeaverPets 3 роки тому +1

    These are great, we have an entire fishroom of shell dwellers :)

  • @TheMooseMcLovin
    @TheMooseMcLovin 3 роки тому +1

    Man shell dwellers in the flex have been my dream tank since I started in the hobby! Beautiful tank tho!

  • @Bogrin
    @Bogrin 2 роки тому +2

    Amazing setup! I’ve been thinking of starting a similar tank so this video is a great resource!

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  2 роки тому +2

      Awesome, glad it was helpful!

  • @MikeVieira
    @MikeVieira 3 роки тому +1

    Very cool! I have similis coming on Thursday so I'm hyped! What are you feeding you guys?

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому +1

      Awesome! Currently micro pellets and crush krill flakes from xtreme. Live baby brine likely soon

    • @MikeVieira
      @MikeVieira 3 роки тому

      @@CichlidBros great thanks for the reply!

  • @sharonlewis6258
    @sharonlewis6258 3 роки тому +1

    Love that tank. I'm glad you are not adding other types of fish.

  • @tannerolafson3619
    @tannerolafson3619 3 роки тому +1

    Hey I love your videos, and you guys have given me some great ideas for my tanks

    • @tannerolafson3619
      @tannerolafson3619 3 роки тому +1

      You guys actually got me into cichlids keeping

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому

      Awesome! Glad you’re enjoying the content and starting up with cichlids. Best of luck!

  • @cjcichlidsbailes1346
    @cjcichlidsbailes1346 3 роки тому +1

    I started out with 6 now there is atleast 200 in my 75 gallon they are great little fish funny I have a couple videos on mine on youtube hilarious they are

  • @AaronLewisOfficial
    @AaronLewisOfficial 2 роки тому +1

    Sick!
    I am looking into breeding them but I am just doing research if a 15 Gallon would be okay, any thoughts?

  • @danielmintz1792
    @danielmintz1792 2 роки тому +1

    Great video, im really tempted to set up a shell dweller tank. What water do you use? tap water or RODI? also what are your parameters? thanks

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  2 роки тому

      Thanks! I use tap, and my params are around 8.0 with hard water

  • @jmizzonini
    @jmizzonini 28 днів тому

    Did they end up digging up the sand around the rocks causing them to fall? I’ve never had luck over a long period with standing rocks like in this tank.

  • @Leodiaz898
    @Leodiaz898 3 роки тому +1

    I live a little far from that fish store. every time I go I can't find the fish I want but nice video

  • @adleonard7056
    @adleonard7056 Місяць тому

    I just set up a multi tank and have an aquasky light. Keen to see what settings you used for the light timings?

  • @tucker9375
    @tucker9375 3 роки тому

    Nice cichlids i wouldn't mind putting one in my community tank but been advised not to got lemon tips, cardinals, Black Neons widows, Corey's in there, so any ideas of a show piece fish i can put in ? Any advice would be grateful.

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks! A good alternative would be the apistogramma. Great color but doesn’t get to large and can go in most communities

  • @jensmith8404
    @jensmith8404 Рік тому

    hi can you please tell me the color settings you use on your aquasky light?? thanks

  • @gourabsarkar837
    @gourabsarkar837 3 роки тому

    Make a tank with Juliedochromis transcriptus or marleri in future. ^_^

  • @alfredodeeric
    @alfredodeeric 2 роки тому

    I'm looking at the fluvel flex 15 gallon, do you think that would be sufficient for a shell dweller tank?

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  2 роки тому

      It would work for a bit if you start with a few shellies, but they’ll quickly breed and a 15g may not be enough unless you remove some occasionally

  • @yonkamacho9842
    @yonkamacho9842 3 роки тому

    what rack did you buy?

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому

      It’s a storage rack from Home Depot. Might swap it out for a DIY stand soon though for peace of mind

  • @MamboGuy914
    @MamboGuy914 10 місяців тому

    You don't rinse your sand? 4:52

  • @adam7260
    @adam7260 3 роки тому

    What shells are tho’s

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому

      Escargot shells. Link in description if you need it!

  • @fernandomonramos1129
    @fernandomonramos1129 11 місяців тому

    Where u buy ur fish from

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  11 місяців тому +1

      Cichlid Shack for this tank

    • @fernandomonramos1129
      @fernandomonramos1129 11 місяців тому

      @@CichlidBros thank you

    • @fernandomonramos1129
      @fernandomonramos1129 11 місяців тому

      @@CichlidBros I have looked at eaby and 60 dollers shipping is that how it is for fish everywhere

  • @twunderaquatics1770
    @twunderaquatics1770 3 роки тому +6

    On your shelf. Did you use the pressed board that it came with? I've always been a little afraid using pressed board and water. Good luck. Liked

  • @adam7260
    @adam7260 3 роки тому +2

    I love aqarium adventure it’s the heaven

  • @space_ghost_z941
    @space_ghost_z941 Рік тому +2

    I want Shellies do badly. Gotta convince the waifu on another tank lmao

  • @CraigersFish
    @CraigersFish 3 роки тому +3

    Love that tank! I might have to look into something similar and put it on my work desk, and move some of my Multis from my 40 breeder colony into one.
    Be careful using that particle board. When it gets wet it will warp. If your tank is only being supported by the particle board, and not sitting over the rails of the shelf the tank might fall through the particle board.

  • @zoerossi46
    @zoerossi46 Рік тому +1

    OMG I just did this exact set up a few months ago. Wish I could share a pic. Same tank same sand same fish ...no plants though. Weird ....... what are the chances lol

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  Рік тому

      Awesome! Best of luck with your new tank!

  • @mariamhernandez3377
    @mariamhernandez3377 3 роки тому +4

    BEAUTIFUL 🥰❤️!!! Excellent set-up!!!

  • @adammason4454
    @adammason4454 3 роки тому +8

    I love these little cichlids ive had my about 6 months now. Just added some leptosoma on the top now and they work well together.

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому +1

      Nice! I was considering them or Brichardi but will hold off for awhile. Might have another tank soon that could work for the setup

    • @adammason4454
      @adammason4454 3 роки тому +1

      @@CichlidBros ive heard brichardi are really aggressive when they spawn and most people keep them in a species only tank. With the Leptosoma they have really small mouths and won't eat the multi fry. Have a look at prime time aquatics they have some leptosoma with brevis.

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому +1

      @@adammason4454 good to know! I actually got most of the ideas for this tank from Prime time. Great info and setups

    • @eugenefuhri5466
      @eugenefuhri5466 3 роки тому +1

      @@CichlidBros Birchardi are monsters. I had them in a tank with some Occelatus. The Brichardii picked on the Occies to the point i had to set up a new tank for them.

    • @adammason4454
      @adammason4454 3 роки тому +1

      @@eugenefuhri5466 occies are a lot more aggressive than multis as well

  • @zsworld6609
    @zsworld6609 3 роки тому +5

    I have a low boy of these. Absolutely amazing fish! Good choice and a lot of mine are from the cichlid shack as well

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому +1

      Awesome! Would love a low boy one day

  • @WONDERFULREPTILES
    @WONDERFULREPTILES 3 роки тому +1

    PERFECT VIDEO LIKE

  • @Dmott720
    @Dmott720 3 роки тому +4

    Awsome set-up!

  • @jroc01
    @jroc01 3 роки тому +1

    Sorry but what kind of watch were you wearing during the set up?

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому +1

      Its a Garmin that I use a lot for running

  • @EpicConspiracy
    @EpicConspiracy 3 роки тому +4

    When you fill the tank with water stick the python in middle section in the back so you don’t have to sit there and hold it. Doesn’t mess up the scape or kick up sand at all, this alone makes the flex a awesome tank

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the tip! Much better than moving the whole lid each time

  • @sadielawson2709
    @sadielawson2709 3 роки тому +5

    Shell dwellers are amazing fr. I’ve actually had my similis a little over 3 weeks and I still sit and watch them daily.

    • @matthewmoorecichlids2323
      @matthewmoorecichlids2323 3 роки тому +2

      Similis is and always will be my favorite fish. Beautiful lil dudes!

    • @sadielawson2709
      @sadielawson2709 3 роки тому +1

      @@matthewmoorecichlids2323 they truly are awesome. I’ve got probably 20+ fry right now and I have no idea what I’m gonna do with them 😂

    • @sadielawson2709
      @sadielawson2709 3 роки тому +1

      @Gen M well I’ve got probably 50+ fry now 😂 I kept the heat a bit higher (82°f) and fed 3 times a day & within a month I noticed my first spawn.

    • @AaronLewisOfficial
      @AaronLewisOfficial 2 роки тому

      Hello, I was wondering if you guys thought a 15 Gallon would be a good size for a small colony for breeding?

    • @sadielawson2709
      @sadielawson2709 2 роки тому

      @@AaronLewisOfficial i have 3 pairs in a 20 long a one pair in a 10 so you could probably do two pairs or one male and 3-4 females in a 15 gal.

  • @jensmith8404
    @jensmith8404 Рік тому

    hello, i love the tank and set up.. just perfect for them fish.. i plan on adding some multi's to my 20g with 2 brichardi's in it,, now, i had that aquasky light on my tank, all i got for 10 mouths was algae and some scum on the glass (no idea what it is).. the last setting i used was 100% blue, 90% white, 0 on the green and red.. and algae in a week,.. if i don't use high white light, i can't see the blue streaks in the brichardi's face.. can i ask your setting numbers on that multi tank are, please? i assume that blue on the aquasky isn't actinic??
    right now, i went back to what i was running, 12k ecoxtic led light (36 watts cut down to 60%
    PS, help, im tired of wasting money on lighting and not getting the right one!!
    i want this all right before i get a group of multi's after the holidays.. (online)

  • @bencharisse4079
    @bencharisse4079 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome

  • @08r0710
    @08r0710 4 місяці тому

    Is there anywhere else you would recommend to get them, bcuz when I checked “the cichlid shack” they appeared to not have any right now

  • @lanalovesjesus6133
    @lanalovesjesus6133 2 роки тому +1

    Great choice of movie clips lol

  • @CaylorsReptilesAquatics
    @CaylorsReptilesAquatics 3 роки тому +2

    Great ideas with the stone and plants for line of sight breaks. I’m about to set up a 33 long for shellies. Thanks for the ideas

    • @adammason4454
      @adammason4454 3 роки тому

      What shellie are you thinking of getting?

  • @nikalepak727
    @nikalepak727 2 роки тому +2

    Really nice! I just started a Flex 15 and happened to find a used Flex 32 today. Now I'm thinking I could build a 66" long stand and get another 15 and put all three side by side with different types of fish since both tank sizes have the same profile. Maybe shellies in the middle eventually. Enjoy your fish room!

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  2 роки тому

      Thank you! Sounds like an awesome plan. Best of luck

  • @flicksby3930
    @flicksby3930 Рік тому

    You put that tank on the cheap pressboard that came with the shelf. I got the exact same shelf and with your tank like it is now, it will eventually fail and collapse on you (the cheap press board not the metal shelf). None of the corners of the tank are being supported by any metal from the shelf. The weight of this tank filled is an incredible force on the pressboard. The shelf you have would have been better suited for two 40-gallon breeders. Move the 32.5 gallon somewhere else.

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  Рік тому +1

      The New CICHLID FISH ROOM is Here!
      ua-cam.com/video/OeMcyRVWTKU/v-deo.html

  • @iqbaljumani4717
    @iqbaljumani4717 3 роки тому +1

    Nice video
    Beautiful fishes
    Neat and clean aquariums
    👏👏👏🐟🐟🐟

  • @rontronnesjr
    @rontronnesjr Рік тому +1

    Thank you for the informational video - I have a 20 long that I've wanted to do something with and I decided shell dwellers (multifasciatus) would be a pretty cool addition. Also nice to see you are in the Chicago area - I'm born and raised although I live in Western NY now (Rochester) but I visit a couple times a year as I have family in the Southwest suburbs (Orland Park, Mokena, New Lenox). I look forward to watching more of your videos - thanks for sharing.

  • @ontarioaquatics9643
    @ontarioaquatics9643 2 роки тому

    Just got a 20 gallon long to start with these guys! I’m debating on if I want to have mbunas in my 55 or if I want to have a big colony of Multis

  • @larsonkaser3381
    @larsonkaser3381 2 роки тому

    Is that at Petland in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago?

  • @Bornintheseat
    @Bornintheseat 3 роки тому +2

    I really appreciate the video going from the beginning of the process to the end in one video. Your tank is simple and looks great! Thanks for sharing.

  • @yorkaquariums1840
    @yorkaquariums1840 3 роки тому +1

    Beautiful tank! The dragon stone and anubias really pull it all together. Great video and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this tank progresses! Definitely subscribed.

  • @jensmith8404
    @jensmith8404 Рік тому

    hi can you please tell me the color settings you use on your aquasky light?? thanks

  • @matthewmoorecichlids2323
    @matthewmoorecichlids2323 3 роки тому +1

    My man! Good for you getting these from James. He’s a great guy. I have a group of these as well! Great setup.

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому

      Thank you! Yeah they came in very healthy and looking great. Started breeding in less than two weeks!

  • @JasonsCichlids
    @JasonsCichlids 3 роки тому +1

    Beautiful tank mate for an underrated, extremely cool fish! You'll have a huge colony in no time mate! Good luck with them from Australia ✌

  • @jensmith8404
    @jensmith8404 Рік тому

    hi again, as you know im getting a 20 H tank ready for multi's, i have a aquaclear 70 on the tank, low flow setting.. i have a coarse pad at bottom, blue bonded pad and a fair amount of polyfill.. the small bag of chemi blue, topped off with 250ML of matrix.. my question is, i have a wave maker in the tank, i don't see shellie tanks with them, should i remove and put air stone in or maybe a sponge filter to agitate the water on top?

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  Рік тому

      Wavemaker would be fine if it’s light flow. Otherwise I’d do an airstone

    • @jensmith8404
      @jensmith8404 Рік тому

      thanks@@CichlidBros

  • @Alto1960
    @Alto1960 3 роки тому +1

    Nice clean set up. I have the 15 gallon version, just haven't decided what fish to stock it with. Sometimes simple is best. Good job.

  • @twunderaquatics1770
    @twunderaquatics1770 2 роки тому +1

    Thus video is the one that finally got me on shellies. After a year I finally got mine. Wish I would have done it sooner. Thanks for the inspiration.

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  2 роки тому

      Great to hear! Best of luck with the shellies!

  • @GHOST51168
    @GHOST51168 3 роки тому

    Just got a 40G breeder tank, looking for stands. I’ve seen the one you have comparing it to the imagitarium stand. What’s your take on it as far as which one is better? Thanks.

    • @GHOST51168
      @GHOST51168 3 роки тому

      @@Darynsworld so stay away from Home Depot muscle rack, instead get the ones at petco?

    • @GHOST51168
      @GHOST51168 3 роки тому

      @@Darynsworld thank you

  • @jillholler7983
    @jillholler7983 3 роки тому +1

    Like the dragon stones and shell aspects of the tank!

  • @descent5640
    @descent5640 3 роки тому

    Where did u get the shelving that you put ur tanks on ?

  • @angelfishkeeper3027
    @angelfishkeeper3027 3 роки тому

    🛸🛸🛸🌍🐠

  • @LegendsAquatics
    @LegendsAquatics 3 роки тому +1

    Any tips mine had babies

  • @johndavidlofgren6518
    @johndavidlofgren6518 3 роки тому

    🖐

  • @JonathanRodriguez-fy3hm
    @JonathanRodriguez-fy3hm 3 роки тому

    Where did you order you shell dwellers off of??

  • @bigjay4142
    @bigjay4142 3 роки тому +1

    So cool I really love those fish never had them yet great job on the Aquascape I think the rocks in the plants look so awesome

  • @mecklonpereira7580
    @mecklonpereira7580 3 роки тому +1

    I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому

      Thanks for watching and following along!

  • @markmilano1815
    @markmilano1815 3 роки тому +1

    Nice man, note taken on the 40 breeder and another large tank... lol

  • @grantmoritz1051
    @grantmoritz1051 2 роки тому

    How much do Multis cost?

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  2 роки тому

      These were $19 a piece from Cichlid Shack

  • @legionaquatics
    @legionaquatics 3 роки тому +1

    great shelly tank I hope to keep some in the future and I like that you added plants keep it up.

  • @emiliaroman8631
    @emiliaroman8631 3 роки тому +1

    Amazing work, keep it up!

  • @crazyaboutafricancichlids1612
    @crazyaboutafricancichlids1612 3 роки тому +1

    Very nice tank!

  • @snoopysrc
    @snoopysrc 3 роки тому +1

    awesome video

  • @CivicGang24
    @CivicGang24 3 роки тому

    How many would fit in a 29gal ?

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому

      I started with 8 and already have a ton of babies

    • @CivicGang24
      @CivicGang24 3 роки тому

      @@CichlidBros amazing ! How big do these guys grow ? Can they live in the 29 comfortably with the babies ?

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому

      @@CivicGang24 only a few inches. They’ll do just fine with them. They’re great parents 👍🏻

  • @dannymac9469
    @dannymac9469 3 роки тому +1

    I got a 55 and a 20 with shell dwellers, love those little guys, the ones in the 55 are crazy diggers and its fascinating watching them dig and move sand around.

    • @adammason4454
      @adammason4454 3 роки тому +1

      What have you got multis as well?

    • @dannymac9469
      @dannymac9469 3 роки тому +1

      @@adammason4454 in the 55 yes.

    • @adammason4454
      @adammason4454 3 роки тому

      @@dannymac9469 just multis? I recently added some leptosoma to my multi tank.

    • @rwx6199
      @rwx6199 3 роки тому

      What’s a good beginner shell dweller?

    • @adammason4454
      @adammason4454 3 роки тому

      @@rwx6199 multis are a good beginner one.

  • @TheAquariumLibrary
    @TheAquariumLibrary 3 роки тому +1

    I' would recommend switching that pressed board out for a plywood board that is sealed up with some polyurethane. I had that same board and it started warping with the weight of two 5 gallon tanks. Once it gets wet, it starts sagging even more. Also, if that is that 36 inch long stand you'll have to remove the top tank to drop in a 40 gallon breeder. Just sharing what I have learned when using that stand. I have two videos on my own channel that detail what I did and what I was going to do moving forward.

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks! I was in a bit of rush with the stand option and it should work for now. I'll likely replace with a stronger stand when I'm getting the 40 breeder (soon). I knew I'd still use the shelving for aquarium supplies at a minimum, so won't be a total loss!

    • @TheAquariumLibrary
      @TheAquariumLibrary 3 роки тому

      @@CichlidBros Gotcha. My stand has been up for over a year now with no issues regarding weight, I like it and works well. As you said at a minimum it just turns into storage. I have also found that 5 gallons on end work very well on this rack

    • @flicksby3930
      @flicksby3930 Рік тому

      I agree with the pressboard concerns. I do not agree with the 40 breeder comment though. If he gets an Aqueon (Petco) 40 Breeder then yes, he will need to remove the top shelf to slide the 40 in. If you get the TopFin (Petsmart) 40 breeder it can slide right in through the side openings on the bottom shelf. I would recommend he replace the wood either way here. 💯

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  Рік тому

      It was fine for over a year, as long as you keep good care of it. But I built a new stand for it

  • @mitchsfishes1719
    @mitchsfishes1719 3 роки тому +1

    I love shell dwellers!! Also, how do you trick your wife into allowing so many tanks? Asking for a friend...

    • @CichlidBros
      @CichlidBros  3 роки тому

      Haha, it helps that the tanks are in a separate room out of the way. But mostly just begging until she’s cool with it lol