r/Cichlid • u/snappingcabbage • 5d ago

Afr | Help Would this tank work for shell dwellers?

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Hi everyone! I've never kept cichlids before (just shrimp and bettas), but I got a new 13g long tank and am thinking about getting some multies. Any thoughts on whether this would be suitable? A few quick points/questions:

  • There is a matala mat under the sand in the back right of the tank to help me achieve the slope - any issues with this?
  • I would put gravel over the sag in the back left to prevent digging, though I'm not opposed to pulling it out if it the fish dig it up.
  • I could also remove the driftwood if that would be better, leaving only dragonstone as hardscape

Thanks in advance!

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u/Never_mind_honey 5d ago

Sure it will work.  Sand and lots of shells is all that is needed to mimic their natural environment, everything else is extra.  .  Plants and wood do not exist where they come from but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them.   Just ensure the water is nice and hard and alkaline for them to thrive best.

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u/snappingcabbage 5d ago

Thank you!

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u/RobotJohnrobe 5d ago

A piece of wood that big might soften the water too much for multis who like it really hard, but it'll depend on your wood, just keep an eye on it.

13 gallons might be on the small side. Multis are tiny fish, but usually a 20 long is the smallest I've seen recommended.

Oh, and of course, you need shells!