40 Gallon Breeder Shell Dweller Tank: We Had to Move our Multis!

[@jeromehorn7333]

just got 10 multis and set up my first shell dweller tank in a 40 breeder. Your 50 gal low boy was my motivation.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's awesome! Hope you enjoy them.

[@andysfishden6506]

I love their blue eyes. Multies are one of the species of fish I want to set a tank up for soon.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They are cool!

[@DaFishKeepah]

Glad u turn the big rock too hide the broken side

[@waterkeeper2287]

Every time we see your Shell Dwellers it nudges us just a little closer.... One day soon my little sweeties we too will Keep Your Water! Thanks for your time PTA.

[@chrismcgrath8289]

Hi Jason............been subbed for a while now...........Awesome............expensive background but Absolutely Stunning............Excellent channel.............Love to you and your Beautiful Betts Girl ( YOU KNOW ) haha.............love from the UK...............

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@Lumpydog]

Really nice video. I enjoy watching Prime Time Aquatics videos. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you being here!

[@NYCityCichlids]

Nice setup for them.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@TheFishNerd]

I love that you actually did some hardscape instead of just shells! Looks great!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks man. Wanted to add just a little more to the tank. :-)

[@augiehong3927]

Really really enjoy your content and videos. We all have unlimited fish wants, but limited budgets and I think your work really strikes that balance. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for being here!

[@unitone57]

Had same size tank with a pair of eliotti cichlids, they breed like mad. Ended up my favourite tank, even went in my living room

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's cool!

[@unitone57]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics like how u always seem to reply, true gent. Best of look during quarantine

[@MHAquaticsUK]

Another great video! I need a fish room like yours

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@joannecavan1213]

looks great!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@markhunter2244]

Very nice, love shell dwellers 🤓

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@davidsamsell2031]

Very well done, Jason....👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks!

[@vogt666]

I have multis and I love them even though I can't get them to breed to save my life lol

[@timw.8225]

Great video....awesome job on the tank !!

[@monaangela4667]

Wow its a really special tank, congrats. Good luck with those beautiful shell dwellers, 🤞😍😍😍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@spoiledfish6643]

Nice tank👍👍👍

[@Alexandre-fo5nz]

The setup is amazing good job. With the background it became much more natural and realistic. 👌

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@inkscorpion]

Thanks for sharing. That's a really cool setup. Could you possibly go even a bit smaller? Say, in a 20 gal. long with fewer fish? Maybe 2-3 pairs?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Absolutely. They are well suited in a 20 gallon. We have similis, which are very similar to multis that thrive in a 20 long.

[@MridulSinghMusic]

Wonderful setup! Always a great idea to have a backup tank of your prized fish.

[@gilbertocolon196]

Hi jason i started about four months ago with my mutis.started with eight now a got about 50. They are really friendly fish. Going to do my second tank soon.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks so cool!

[@zsworld6609]

Multis are also one of my favorite fish. Love this set up and love that background. Will definitely be looking into one of those

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks!

[@snoopdogg734]

Great job....the tank looks fantastic , i really want one of those backgrounds ....but the price is too high for me, but you get what you pay for..I am looking forward to you showing us how to build one. Have a great day!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I'm looking forward to building another one. :-)

[@GeneralGP114]

Very nice 👌 love those rocks

[@sharronmiller451]

The tank looks great!! I love shellies

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! :-)

[@georgeleiter6277]

Looks nice. :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@vampgaia]

Joanna rocks! 😁

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Now that's funny! :-)

[@prestigeworldwide5538]

Love the topic and your time involved in your videos is greatly appreciated! I set up a 40g breeder for 8 multis. 2 paired up and have been very active with producing young. As the family has grown. I found one of the original 8 dead. It happened within a 4hr period. It was shredded too. It seems like it may have been evicted from the shell grouping it was keeping to itself. Since that one was taken out. Some young have moved into the grouping. Have you experienced this behavior? If so? I am also wondering if it would be time to downsize the family or let them flourish and find homes for the 5 individual singles? Hope you find this concern of mine since im adding onto an older video. Just thought i would keep it to the species involved. Thank you for all your hard work and time over the years!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Depends on the size of the tank? I’ve had dozens in a 20 long with relatively few issues and I’ve had hundreds in our 50 gallon low boy with no issues.

[@prestigeworldwide5538]

@PrimeTimeAquatics oh wow! Thanks for the reply. The growing family has about 60 young in every stage of growth. Its a 40g breeder. Another male of the original 8 has taken the dead ones shells from the young and has started making the wall bigger. Its very interesting watching these behaviors. It was a very long time ago i got away from the slippery slope of fish keeping. Just want to say thank you for getting the passion flowing again!

[@AquazoneQC]

Lovely video

[@superbjai76]

Awesome Tank! I always get great ideas from you! Thanks!

[@smile1234happy]

Hi jason was wondering what gh and kh and ph levels do you keep this tank at? Thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I’m about pH 8.0, GH and KH of 10 degrees

[@cichlidman559]

Great video next one please 😁🤘

[@orangeaquatics]

Looks great 👍🏻

[@rickrodriguez6675]

Awesome team work. Love the tank setup. 😎

[@monsterfishgal]

Great Video Love shellies

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

And what's cool is they don't need a huge tank! :-)

[@darrylmoore5847]

Awesome video as always. I am looking forward to seeing what the fish do with the tank.

[@ajctropicals1704]

Great video as always guys, I love this fish! Wish I had more room for some.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@scotp6362]

It would be fun to take a snapshot of the tank each week and show how much it changes over a period of time.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Interesting idea.

[@civic9404]

Great video!

[@seanootd3406]

Another great video mate love the background on the tank looks great lol i thought about doing a background on the 280g but after pricing it was going to end up more then the shed Lol for some reason I always enjoy seeing the struggle of getting air out of the shells

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, I can't imagine the cost on a 280!

[@swannydeehosinpepper9655]

Do you get plenty of water flowing through your sponge filters without the riser tube ?? I purchased a 40 gallon breeder tank to start a colony of Multis.. I could not locate the fish that I really wanted, the shell dwellers, so I started an Mbuna tank.. I am going to get another 40 gal breeder and get the colony of Multis going that I have always wanted.. Thanks for your time and I love all of your videos..

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't noticed a difference when it comes to biological filtration. I don't think it makes a major difference on the mechanical side, but if I find it is insufficient the way it is I can always add the uplift tube later.

[@juanalejandrosuarez398]

Hi Jason! I have my own 40 gallon multis tank and I was wondering how many multis you currently have is your 40 gallon breeder and if you could recommend a max number that can be kept in the tank before I have to start selling them. Thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I'm not sure how many are in there - maybe 100? You can start selling them usually when you have more than 20-25?

[@BigBudde]

So coooool !! =)

[@BearNecessitiesOfLife]

They're so cute! I love shell dwellers! Would love to find space for a tank of them someday. Good video!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They are totally worth keeping!

[@BarrySuridge]

😍 Magnificient

[@fb191]

Thanks for this great video. Do you have the exact reference of the background ?

[@swannydeehosinpepper9655]

Hi Jason, what do you do about the possibility of stagnant water behind the background ?? It seems like there would be more than a few gallons of water behind there.. I've seen several people use those 3D backgrounds and never asked this question.. Without an inflow and outflow for the water behind the 3D background, wouldn't the water get stagnant ??

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think I will handle that by sticking a gravel vac back there during water changes. I've also pondered putting an airstone back there as well.

[@Cichlid_4_ever]

Moving my paired brichardis to the 37 breeder tank. Dont you have a setup with tank mates for the princess cichlids? Wanted to try and make a lake tanganyika bio type in that size will that pan out well? Definitely a taller tank

[@unusualaquariumecosystems5805]

Nice tank, maybe you can drill a hole into that back piece and find a way to hide the air tube for the air stone better...

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good point!

[@unusualaquariumecosystems5805]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you

[@fishgirl16]

Love watching your clips. Any tips for catching juvies? Once mine set the net the dart into their shells

[@wisconsinaquatics]

Great job on the setup looks amazing although you should check out DWSDarius video on his 3D background it produced allot of bacteria from detritus sitting behind it in his tank not trying to discourage using these items or that you did something wrong just a heads up incase you run into issues and don't know why

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! I was thinking about that - I may run an airstone back there at some point and possibly a small gravel vac behind there occasionally.

[@wisconsinaquatics]

Ohhh I never though about an air stone, I was straying away from 3D backgrounds but you just changed my mind lol

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

"Universal rocks" came across my feed this morning.🤔 Coincidence? I've been checking it out and I'm really interested in some of their backgrounds.. they look amazing!! Your tank looks so cool! They need to hook you up with the link so if I get one I can support you 😁👍❤️ thank you for another great video. Stay well my friends!!!🙏❤️

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Oh I see the link now I think?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I just added the link in the description. Oops. :-) Cool backgrounds for sure!

[@tjautocross]

Hi Jason, any recommendations for tank mates for shell dwellers in a 40 gallon breeder? Would like to add something with different color and behavior. Maybe Julie’s or Leleupi?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The best combo in a 40 breeder are the cyprichromis. Sometimes the shellies and rock dwellers can be a little hard on one another in that size tank. Good luck with everything!

[@johnthomas7177]

Love the video where do you get the shells from?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They are escargot shells from amazon. Super cheap!

[@stevendunn264]

You need a lift tube on the sponge filter (I Think).

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't really noticed a big difference with them on or off. The idea is that lift tubes create greater flow through the sponge filter. Not necessary for biological filtration. Possibly more for mechanical filtration.

[@stephenshamp2482]

Great video PTA I noticed there is no updraw tube on your sponge filter does that decrease the flow across the media?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It doesn't matter regarding biological filtration. If I find mechanical filtration is not what I want I can always add it later.

[@cathyhendrix7552]

I love the shell dwellers!!! And I'm finally able to get a tank. But I only have room for a 10 gallon tank. Can I put 2 male and 2 female in that size of a tank? I really would love to have shell dwellers, but I don't want to do anything that would not be good for them.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It might be tough to manage their community dynamics in a tank that size once they start breeding.

[@cathyhendrix7552]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics That's what I was worried about. If they breed really fast, then there's only so many that my local pet stores could handle. I love in a small town, with one local pet store. But 20 miles away is a mom and pop place, but there's a petco, and a feeder supply and they carry fish to. For sale, not as feeders. But that's it. Well, I watch all your videos and I know I have other options. Thank you very much.

[@TheBackyardBirder]

Hi Jason, Great video, I'm in the throws of setting up just this! Couple questions: would my SeaChem Tidal 110 be good for filtration of the 40B? Also I was looking at Pool Filter Sand mixed with crushed coral, how much coral should I mix in you think? Lastly, do you think Mystery Snails would live in a tank like this or do the dwellers also eat the snails? Really appreciate your advice Best Willem, Glen Ellyn

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The tidal 110 is fine since you can turn down the flow. If you have Chicago water the crushed coral won’t be critical. A thin bottom layer would be plenty. They would probably eat the mystery snails eventually. Have fun!

[@TheBackyardBirder]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thanks much!

[@charw346]

Great content, as always. Hey - I would love a video that shows various types of Algie so it’s easier to determine what I have in each tank. I’ve kept fish for decades and this is a gap in my education and knowledge base because, frankly I don’t obsess about Algie. But now I have more than 20 tanks with various lighting, stocking, CO2, and plant characteristics. Time to step up my game and of all the fish tube content makers I follow, I can think of no better platform than yours for this. What do u think?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I will add it to the list! Thanks for the idea. :-)

[@djknauss1]

great looking tank. im planning on trying multis out sometime this year for my first foray into cichlids. im curious to know your thoughts on how well putting a cycled sponge filter into a new tank works. Ive tried it multiple times, but testing the water I still get massive nitrogen spikes. same water parameters, no delay in transferring the sponge filter, sponge filter was used for several months etc.. ive resorted to just being patient and waiting the 1-2 months for the aquarium to settle in.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I have never seen an ammonia or nitrite spike. It's the primary way I cycle a tank. I do not add many fish at the start though. You can see from this video - 40 gallon breeder, which is actually 47 gallons and only added 12 tiny fish. The microbes on the sponge filter should have no problems handling that small load.

[@johnqpublic1765]

Watched this video and loved it. I am setting up 140 gal planted community show tank (angels, neons, shrimp, etc). How would they do in this tank? How many? Which ones? How much do they cost?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great questions! I probably wouldn't put them in this setup for a few reasons. 1) They will eat all your shrimp for sure. 2) Once they start breeding they will take over the entire bottom of the tank. Even though they are small, they will protect their fry very vigorously. Most likely pushing all the other fish to the top half of the tank. 3) They dig a lot, so all your plants would be uprooted. I tend to like them as a species only fish, or with other Lake Tanganyikans in a large tank.

[@johnqpublic1765]

Thanks

[@johnqpublic1765]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you for an honest reply. I have been out of the hobby for decades. Yes I said decades. So much has changed and KZbin is better than the circa 1965 Axelrod books I started with. lol Love your videos.

[@jensmith8404]

hi, what brand light and K rating is on that tank (6500K ?)? looks nice and bright.. do you get much algae from it? thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That tank has an old Finnex Stingray on it. The Hygger lights tend to be a better value and a little cheaper.

[@InsaneSupercars]

How much do the Multis go for in your area? My LFS has them for $21.99 each. Is that too much?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's crazy. Retail maybe $15.00. You can easily find them for $5-$6/each at swaps and auctions.

[@InsaneSupercars]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Would you happen to know any swaps or auctions in the Los Angeles area you'd recommend?

[@UltimateCrouton]

I’ve seen you mention that you’re in Chicago - I’m in the west suburbs and looking to get a multi tank set up in the near future. Do you have any recommendation of an LFS where I can find these? I’m hesitant to ship due to what I’ve heard about these not tolerating the transit well.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You know, I don't see them around here much and the stores that I know will carry them I wouldn't chance it from them. My favorite places to buy fish are Fish Factory and Aquatics Unlimited in Milwaukee.

[@dennisruedel]

Hi Jason, nice job with this video. Once you go with a 3-D background, it’s hard not to do it again in the future. I was wondering where you got those large and small river stones that you put in the tank? I am assuming you got them somewhere inexpensive. Please let me know since we live in the same area. Thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's a great question and now I can't remember which place I got them specifically. :-)

[@jordanhill15]

Awesome video!! I noticed my sponge filters in my 33L multi tank have a stronger output then the one in your tank. Should I turn mine down, or is it okay with a stronger output

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Either way is fine. I may actually turn mine up a little if I find the other side of the tank is not getting the flow i want.

[@jordanhill15]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics okay awesome, thank you*

[@gameroftheyear1000]

Hey Jason,love the tank! I’m actually looking to restart my 29 gallon from scratch with the shell dwellers and living in Massachusetts we actually don’t even have access to any african cichlids outside of very common Mbuna and peacocks so nevermind lake Tanganyikan cichlids. With that said I’ll have to go online and order them and was wondering what are the best websites to order fish from. Of course I’m open to anyone else opinions as well! Thanks a ton in advance and keep the videos going bro!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If I were to order online I would probably go with The Wet Spot. They seem to have a big selection and the people I have talked to who have ordered from them seem to like them.

[@gameroftheyear1000]

Prime Time Aquatics I’ll have to give them a look. Thanks a lot for the response!

[@adaoust2127]

Where do you get the shells? Thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They are escargot shells from amazon. I think I have them linked in my "How to Set Up a Shell Dweller Tank" video description.

[@wyatt643]

How much can you sell shelldwellers to your LFS for? Thinking of breeding them.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Usually just a couple dollars around here.

[@garyc.2451]

Doesn't water get behind the rock wall and become stagnant?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, I'm going to come up with a way to deal with that. :-)

[@chefrarestones1960]

Great looking tank!!! You and Joanna will be having scape off soon. Lol. I wonder if any of the shellies will use the openings in the background?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think she might win that one. :-)

[@aquaballs]

Only if I can afford it I would buy the background without a question I love the way the tank looks this fish does not eat plants for me I have crypts with them

[@strikeout77777]

how much does that cost?

[@reidseimetz1264]

What is a size tank that you recommend for breeding Red Devils

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If you only have a pair and nothing else in the tank a 75 gallon or above will work. Eventually, they will need a bigger tank - a 180 might be cool.

[@reidseimetz1264]

I was just wondering because I’m going to start a South American cichlid breeding fish room

[@HeRo-qd6tk]

I like them too. It must be pleasant to have a tank with no plants 🌱 no Co2 no ferts....humm 💡

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It can be. :-)

[@gautamsenthilkumar823]

Hi I'm from India .. just got 13 multies i feed normal pellets they don't like it seems.. let me know any cheap diy food for multies ? Or any cheap alternative.. asap they are starving.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Mine eat just about every pellet or flake food I try?

[@gautamsenthilkumar823]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics hikari ?

[@hectorolivares5071]

How much did you spend on the background

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That one might have been a couple hundred bucks?

[@drdurso3114]

I had to laugh at the Yin and Yang... the $$$ background used in a tank with a sponge filter. I love your rocks you used! They're amazing. I'm into DIY.. and have engineered my overflow design, all of that, and am now moving my test tank inside.. where it will be filled with locally found rocks and my well water. My future fishies better like my well water.. I'm not into RODI. If I have to have an RODI system to have a cichlid tank, I'll just not have the cichlid tank. Build your own backgrounds folks! Seems we've all got lots of time on our hands these days...

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya I know. I spent more on a background than the tank is worth and throw an ugly $5 sponge filter in there. Haha

[@drdurso3114]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I love it. Keep up the seriously fun, interesting and educational vids. Your channel is excellent. Peace

[@Matagot90]

Why didn't you rinse the sand?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I never rinse store bought sand. I haven't found it necessary.

[@MarandaisAmazing]

Anyone live near the Cincinnati, Ohio area within about maybe 4-5 hours? I'd really like to purchase one of the zoomed lowboys but I can't seem to find them anywhere

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You should be able to get an LFS to order one for you if they have a Zoomed rep.

[@wolvesden7777]

mo multies!, mo multies!

[@davidadkins8805]

Thumbs up for the channel but I’m beginning to hate shellies bettas puffers. Seems everyone I watch has them. ☺️

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I had shellies before they were "cool". Haha

[@davidadkins8805]

Prime Time Aquatics There was a time? Idk lol

[@sankarshdv]

Great idea not putting all eggs in one basket 👍🏽 My multis are a lot lighter and don’t have such vibrant blue eyes, does it depend on the generation or collection point or something like that ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It could just be the genetics of a certain line.

[@Spacey7]

That background looks upside down...

[@dennistimmermans8265]

0:45 why do you look up?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I was seeing if the background was on camera. :-)

[@dennistimmermans8265]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics oooooooh

[@optionmaster221]

great looking tank but now it does NOT belong to some breeding fish-room in the basement. move it upstairs to your living room with a comfy couch or an armchair and enjoy watching it with some drink or cigar ... for hours

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good point. :-)

[@eeemoose3494]

First!!!

[@rifraf6135]

2nd!

[@rifraf6135]

@Thomas C lol

[@vijayanthony5639]

Third yooo hahahaa

[@elizabethwagner2190]

I'm sorry but I just do not find those background things appealing. Maybe it's a guy thing. Sorry

[@Ourfrenchiegirls]

Looks great!