Mixing shell dwells (shell dweller community tank)

[MattG_Sydney]

It’s very slow in here folks, let’s see how many replies I get 😄

okay, I have different types of Shellies now in separate tanks. I have Similies, Black Occies(speciosus),neolamprologus calliurus, neolamprologus ornatipinnis. If I put them in large enough tanks (4 -6 ft) tanks, can I mix them and still breed them? Anyone has experience with such setups? Would love to hear your thoughts. 

[brucem]

In a 6ft tank you could probably have two types of Shellie’s.  The calliurus might be a different story.

In tank 4 ft or less I’ve usually done just the one type, although I had brevis and gold occies breed in a 4x2 ok.

[MattG_Sydney]

Thanks Bruce. Typing to utilise tank space as much as possible. 

[Link2Hell]

I feel that when mixing smaller Tangs you need to look at what part of the water column they inhabit

So one shellie, one sand sifter, one mid-top water is how I would look at it

Then you need to consider what breeding aggression is like 

This also needs to take in tank dimensions and aquascaping to remove line of sight

 

[MattG_Sydney]

Thanks Chris, makes a lot of sense. As indicated it would be 4x2x2 or 3x2x2 worst case scenario.