NeWcS

I have a few questions about setting up a 10g with some Multies

-Is it ok to use play sand and how deep?
-This might sound silly & I’m almost certain I know the answer but can I use a under gravel filter with sand?
-If a under gravel won’t work can I use a sponge filter instead?
-How many Multies can I put in my 10g?
-What ratio of male to female?
-What ratio of shells to fish?
-Aside from the shells should I put any other décor in the tank?
-What is a fair price for the fish?
-Anything else I need to know?

-Jay

Slug

- Yes, how deep is the tank? 2-4" sandbed might be nice. They really like to dig.
- I wouldn't
- Sponge filter yes, though you'd have to keep up on WCs if thats the only filter in there.
- I'd probably just do a Trio in a 10gal.
- 1m 2 females
- Lots of shells, no set number but they like to have more then 1 to themselves. When i did it i used a 29gal and spread shells across the whole bottom. They eventually made mounds of sand separating each nest and covered some shells up with the sand. Just let them pick and choose.
- You can, but don't have to
- Depends on source, i've seen them from $2-10 each.
- Very cool fish, they love to dig and flare at each other, they make mountains of sand separating each nest of shells. Other then that not really. Just make sure you do those WCs if its just a sponge filter in there.

ATKINSON

This might sound stupid but what are Multies?

CHoffman

I've never had multies myself although someday I will. But I have done a little research on them and a 10 gallon really doesn't seem big enough for them. They like any cichlid like their swimming space, the longer the better. Butterfly , a member here on fishlore, keeps them and she can better answer your questions, hopefully she'll see this.

I found this thread and there is some good info on there..
Keeping Shellies?

Slug

10gal should be fine for a Trio, or even just a pair. But yes generally with shell dwellers, a longer tank is better.

aquarist48

Hello NewCS...I would like to recommend using "pool filter sand" instead of play sand. It's my understanding that play sand will eventually turn "clay ish". Pool filter sand will be much easier to maintain.

UG filters...I don't recommend them. I'm not familiar with the type of fish that you have mentioned.
Best of luck with the new tank. Share some pictures once you're up and running
Ken

harpua2002

Multies= lamprologus multifasciatus. They are Tanganyikan shell dwellers.

I agree with all Slug's advice, and agree with Ken that there are better choices than play sand. PFS would work, as he mentioned. When I kept my l. ocellatus, I used CaribSea's African Cichlid Sand. It looks great and helps buffer the water. Aragonite sand would also work well.