setting up a neolamprologus multifasciatus tank in a 36-gallon aquarium

[felix8on]

Hey all, so I'm planning to turn my empty 36-gallon bowfront tank into a shellie tank and I'm kinda stuck.
I've decided on using coflake substrate, about an inch deep, and I've got a fluval 206 filter just collecting dust, so that's gonna go in too.

My main question is, how many shellies should I start with? Should I go with juveniles or adults? I was thinking of a 1M:3F ratio, but I'm not sure.

The tank's footprint is 12" wide, 28" long, and 18" tall, with the bow being 18" wide at its widest point.
What's a good starting point for fish numbers and shells? I've been doing some research, but there are so many different opinions online, so I'm a bit confused.

Any help would be awesome, thanks.

[fluxon4]

Sounds like you're on the right track, filter should work just fine, sexing ratios are spot on as long as they're big enough to sex, if not I'd go with 6 juveniles, but be prepared to remove excess males down the line as they can get pretty aggressive with each other. One thing I'd change is the substrate, I personally use pool filter sand, it's way cheaper than coflake and works just as well, and I'd keep it to around 1/2" deep, they're crazy diggers and will pile the sand up 2-3 inches high, it's a real pain. For shells, I'd say get 20-30, sounds like a lot but they love 'em, escargot shells are a good option, you can find 'em online without breaking the bank.

[felix8on]

Found some awesome deals on shells - 3 types, around 75 total, and they only set me back $80 with shipping. I actually needed them for my hermit crabs too, so it's a win-win. I'm sticking with coflake sand for now, mainly to buffer my water to a higher pH. Pool sand is a great option, but I need that pH boost. I'm open to mixing the two, though - might just do that. Been trying to find a local breeder or supplier, but it's tough in my area. Once I get started with these little guys, I can already see myself upgrading to a 125+ gallon tank - I'm a firm believer in going big or not doing it at all.

[fluxon4]

I've come across a lot of mixed views on coflake sand's ability to buffer water, do you happen to know your water's pH? I've found that for tangs, KH and GH are just as important as pH, and you can actually raise them by adding baking soda and Epsom salts - I personally use seachem African lake salts as well.

[felix8on]

My pH is around 7.5, I still need to check the hardness though - I've tested it a few times before, just know it's classified as moderately hard, can't recall the exact degrees off the top of my head.
Gonna place that shell order next week, got my fingers crossed I can get the ones I want.
Also think I might've found a local shellie breeder, waiting for a callback to see if they're willing to part with some.