Neolamprologus Multifasciatus Species Profile

The Multi is a great shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. This video covers the breeding and care of multis.
Check out some other cool Tanganyikan fish!
Neolamprologus brichardi: • Neolamprologus brichar...
Gold Ocellatus Shell Dweller: • Lamprologus ocellatus ...
Cyprichromis leptosoma: • Cyprichromis leptosoma...
Neolamprologus caudopunctatus: • Neolamprologus caudopu...
Neolamprologus brichardi: • Neolamprologus brichar...
Neolamprologus similis: • Neolamprologus similis...
Want to learn more about setting up a shell dweller tank? • How to Set Up a Shell ...
If you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! / @primetimeaquatics
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
Thanks for watching!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Check out some other cool Tanganyikan fish! Neolamprologus brichardi: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKXNoaN8ds2rfJo Gold Ocellatus Shell Dweller: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqKkgKV7dpuZr9k Cyprichromis leptosoma: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX63omNniLR2lZo Neolamprologus caudopunctatus: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6ObdWR6mN9_bpo Neolamprologus brichardi: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKXNoaN8ds2rfJo Neolamprologus similis: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJvOi56vnZZlmas Want to learn more about setting up a shell dweller tank? kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4SUkIhtbd1gmNE If you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch

[@ShamanDave88]

I have been in the hobby for decades. Tried Multies for the first time and they are the best fish I have ever kept.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Awesome!

[@ShamanDave88]

@@PrimeTimeAquaticsomg 2 tiny multies fry spotted today! What a feeling.

[@CreativePetKeeping]

Ugh.. I'm starting to get the shell dweller fever

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They would be PERFECT for one of the tanks you show on your channel! They are a lot of fun. : -)

[@userequaltoNull]

Me too, lol

[@jeffb5785]

If you don't have it already next comes the dreaded disease know as MTS (Multi Tank Syndrome) and another dreaded diagnosis I have had for many years Cichlid-iot After posting this I realized who you are and my warning is way too late.

[@startherelife795]

Great spotlight on this beautiful species! I can't wait to get my shell dweller tank set up! Keep up the great content!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! They are a fun little fish - you'll have a great time with them. Thanks for watching!

[@Trivedi_Tuesdays]

Hey Jason, I recently started a shell dweller tank and you were definitely the main reason. Your love for multies is so infectious that I couldn’t help myself but take a dive into these small wonders myself. I just want to thank you for all you do with your videos, and how much great information you pack into them. Keep up the good work, and I will need to get myself a lowboy like that one day.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's really cool hear - good luck!

[@blakeknackstedt762]

I've watched this video several times and love your channel. Iwas able to get my own Multis after a year or so and was so excited after seeing your fish profile. After a few months they've finally been having fry and my colony of 7 has turned to about 20 just a few weeks ago. Keep up all the great content and thanks for the inspiration to own an incredible fish!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I love it! That's so cool to hear. Hope you enjoy them!

[@aquaticwong]

Jason yet again great vid!

[@FishRoomFever]

Great information and an amazing setup!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@aquatalk6661]

Best video on multies and I've seen them all!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you Gene - I really appreciate that! And thank you for watching.

[@Aquarimax]

Very nice species profile! I love my multie colony too!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, they sure are fun right?! We have a few groups of fry growing out and it's exciting to watch them.

[@Aquarimax]

Prime Time Aquatics That's part of the fun, definitely...small groups of fry showing up all the time. Today I was feeding my multies some live food, and a male looked like he was about to mistake a tiny fry for a snack, but the female rammed him, and the fry was saved. 👏 Hurray for attentive Multie mothers!

[@judys1]

what a beautiful tank...I had to watch it twice because I was mesmerized visually and realized I wasn't listening! Thank you for providing the thorough videos on the different species of shell-dwellers. I've decided my next tank will be a shell dweller tank, I feel I hit the motherlode with all your videos. Thank you for taking the time to compile comprehensive info AND accompany it with beautiful video. I met both you and your wife this past week at Orlando Aquashella and enjoyed your talk...I'm ordering escargot shells today!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

So glad we got to meet you! :-)

[@judys1]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics should I start shell dwellers out in like a 29 gallon and then move them as they grow their colony to a 40? I've been reading that cichlids like to be somewhat "crowded" and don't like a lot of open space. I need to set up and cycle a tank before I even think of getting them (I'm thinking 6-8 weeks), but I have both a 29 gallon and a 40 to use. My local fish farm (Imperial Tropicals) has several varieties available most of the time, including Neolamprologus species: candopunctatus, marunguensis, splendens, brichardi, multifasciatus, similis, tretocephalus, cylindrius, & pulcher. The Nanochromis splendens look really cool. too. They also have the Common Krib (Pelvicachromis pulcher). So many choices!

[@judys1]

Oh, and I ordered a Prime Time Aquatics shirt since I missed catching the one you threw out into the audience at your Aquashella talk (My Hubbie and I were in the front row)! LOL

[@Ourfrenchiegirls]

Great vid as always! Thanks 🙏🏻

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@schauman1]

Love the video! Multies will be my next fish!!!!

[@pathayes5658]

Hi Guys! we LOVED visiting your fish room today....everything looks amazing and i'm so jealous...! some day soon i'll get my tank up and running again and i'll buy a bristlenose from you...keep up the exc. work.. P & M xx

[@SergioBernardoAlmi]

You answered all my questions…Thank you 😊

[@DineshSomu]

clean water and a detailed explanation :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you Dinesh!

[@uthpreecha]

Very informative video! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for watching!

[@kickass7796]

wtf is that really rumynose WOW, i came here to see multis and now i want rummynose like that , thats awesome man

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks! I had a really nice group of them, but they eventually all died off. Really deep red face with great markings. Wish I still had them.

[@zeriyx]

they seem really prone to disease and various issues. maybe they just hate the water where i live.

[@simonsinden6921]

That tank is amazing!!!!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@schauman1]

Im in the process of setting up a multie tank.Your video was very informative. Thank you!! Sandy I hope there is a part 2 ?!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

ShrimpTail Awesome! Glad it was helpful. 😀

[@fastfolky]

Great video on the Multi's! I got 5 of them for my 15 gallon setup, got the shells, the sand, tank was somewhat cycled in with a filter and a small potted plant and I love them! One female did get rejected from the colony, probably because there wasn't enough "floorspace", they almost killed her and she moved to the top left corner so I think there is a limit to the amount of adults per square feet of aquarium space. When anybody sees one multi going up in the corner and staying there it could mean trouble. Love your setup for the multi's and wish I would have such a nice large tank for them to thrive. I feed mine live daphnia that I keep and they love that as well but it's not as good a foodsource as brine shrimp, I love it when to go into live-food-attack-mode and really go for that daphnia. Subscribing! :-)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for sharing! It's super cool when they start having babies. They are very small at first and can be hard to see, but I find the fry to be hardy and the parents do a good job. Very cool! Thanks for watching.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for sharing! It's super cool when they start having babies. They are very small at first and can be hard to see, but I find the fry to be hardy and the parents do a good job. Very cool! Thanks for watching.

[@fastfolky]

Also, all the small snails on the large piles of sand in the corners, they didn't go there on their own, they were picked up and dropped there by the multi's. So funny, i've seen them transport pretty large snails when the snails get to close to their little shell homes.

[@melodies2013]

Hola, Esteban! How many males to how many females in your 15 gallon?

[@MrM0n57er]

it is my another project, so Your video was informative. Thanks. ps. watching the rest playlist now :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Have fun!

[@Aquatic_Amigo]

Great vedio .. best info

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@BigBudde]

Wow I want some now!!

[@nickschmitz7044]

that low boy aquarium is so awesome. i just ordered one hoping to have it up and running by midweek

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think you will really like it!

[@slycichlid8810]

Where do you buy it

[@peteryang2067]

These are becoming my favorite fish

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They have a habit of doing that. : -)

[@tonychilelli2318]

We've had a Multi tank for about a year. I have a real problem with black algae and have been thinking about moving the fish and starting over. Glad I didn't, today we are starting to see fry around ten do far with lots of eggs still in the shells. Thanks for the suggestion and great videos.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Congrats!

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

I've had a lot of success keeping Multies with different kinds of Julidrochomis. If you prove some stones/caves in the back of the tank, the Julies will most likely stay there, and will rarely venture out of their cave and bother other fish. The Multies will then quickly learn that the cave is off limits, and then you have a good functioning aquarium :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I've done the same with rock work when mixing other Tanganyikans as well (Calvus-type cichlids).

[@formercityboy9772]

very informative video :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@abarnswell]

I adore Multies!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They are so much fun!

[@MrRBalmer]

I called them the little bulldozers! The amount of substrate and size of shells i've seen them move is amazing!! lol

[@brennaecho]

Good tip about feeding bbs. I need to try this and see if my fry grow faster also.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, they love to eat and the repashy gives them something to graze on for longer periods of time.

[@paulinemellano1866]

Ils sont trop mignon 😍

[@NavyTom91]

Great video! I had to put all that info together from the few videos out there and lots of reading. This video will make it a lot easier for someone just starting to keep multis.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Awesome - glad it helped! Thanks for watching

[@imcarlvideos]

Enjoying your videos! Great footage! Would you mind me asking what camera you are using?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Right now I am using a Canon 80D. I like it a lot!

[@1domcouk]

Great vid! Want to get some shell dwellers now. When you change shellies water, can you put dechlorinated water straight back in the tank or do you have to buffer it first to more evenly match the pH? Just thinking of the ease of looking after them

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Our water out of the tap is 8.2 pH and relatively hard so we just refill and use dechlorinator. If your water is close to what these fish require, it's always easiest to leave it alone.

[@jeffb5785]

I just recently bought 8 of these little Multi's, they are in a 30 gallon with a bunch of other fish but I have 75 gallon cycling for all the others and the 30 will be just for them

[@melodies2013]

Wonderful job, Jason!! I am about to get a pair or so of these marvelous fish for my 10 gallon. Your very informative video contained all the information to find what I was looking for. I have also a 20 gallon. Could you do a video on Neolamprologus CAUDOPUNCTATUS?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Enjoy your new fish! If I ever get some caudopunks I will do a video.😀

[@melodies2013]

Thanks! I just spoke to the store and I will get them in 2-3 weeks time. Look forward to the eventual vid on caudopunks.

[@erikempire318]

Good profile, the water changes is spot on they don't like lagre water changes. One thing is wrong tough, multis is one of the harder fish you'll ever find, and are among the most tolerant fish in the hobby against amonia, nitrite and nitrate. But the fry will grow better in a well established tank, with some algae and dirt where they can scavange för micro food.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for sharing your experiences, I wish I had the same. Most people I talk to around me also have bad luck with multis in poor water conditions too. They are great fish though!

[@erikempire318]

Well the only think i see multis is responding badly to is lower PH, if you add one teaspoon of bicarbonate (pure baking soda) per 10 liters of water, when doing water change you will get a constant ph of 8,3 och kh of 20 and the fish will be bullet proof.

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

they are really unique

[@TMAquatics]

Those low boy frag tanks are also great for plecos. Do you still have your Multi’s? Ever thought about keeping Altolamprologus Compressiceps Sumbu shell?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Plecos would certainly work well too. Yep, still have the multis and they are doing great! Right now I have some Calvus - hoping to breed them when they get older.

[@bpbny1006]

Hey great video ! I am getting very interested in them. I do have a quick question what is the one rock in the video.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The rock in the center is Texas Holey Rock. We really lucked out finding that piece. We have it in the 75 gallon mbuna tank too (it's actually three pieces in the 75 gallon).

[@bpbny1006]

Thank you !

[@STLFANSS]

I love the dimensions of that 50gal. Did they move the sand all over like that? They are cichlids after all LOL. Thanks for the video... subbed :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hey Nomad - yep, they moved the sand all over the place. The cool thing is the periodically decide they want to redecorate and change everything again!

[@milehighbeerguy4586]

Hey Jason, I am setting up an new tank and its currently cycling and getting ready for fish. The tank is a tall hexagon 30 gallon with shells, sand, and some crushed coral. I purchased 4 Ornatipinnis Kigoma Shell Dweller (all that is available) and (2) 1.5" Congo Black Calvus (male and female). Do you think this tank will be copesthetic? Do you think these 2 species will get along as they are both Lake Tanganyika species?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

As long as the Calvus have a little vertical space, ideally with rocks in the area, the combo could work. A 30 gallon hex doesn't give the ornatipinnis a lot of room to sort out the hierarchy, so you will have to keep an eye on that and see how they deal with each other? Hopefully, it works out.

[@BigBudde]

I’m sold !! Me want !!

[@TaylorYatogo]

Do you know a good place to find some that you would recommend? I don't mind waiting but it's been kinda hard to find in my area. Thank you for the video!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think your best bet might be The Wet Spot?

[@seanootd3406]

I know this video is old but just wanted to say this tank looks fantastic I love the fish I'm currently working on getting a custom made long tank specficly for this breed going to build it in a custom made tv stand

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! I think you will enjoy them a lot. : -)

[@seanootd3406]

Prime Time Aquatics thanks I hope so it's been a very long process I'm still trying to find a place to either buy the acrylic or have it made I'm wanting to do a 1W X 1H X 6L everything built in the tank black background white sand blue and white led that way it really shows off them in there element and not have dead space above put in a tv stand that way gf won't be mad about a tank I would love your tank but I just don't have the room

[@rickjorstad6666]

I have an empty 40g breeder and am thinking of keeping a colony of multis . Would it be ok to have a few Julidochromis and perhaps some Cyprichromis Leptosoma or Calvus in with them as long as there is some rock features in the tank for them and they are separated a bit? Or does that sound a little too ambitious an undertaking? I've never kept cichlids before, so I have no idea of what is compatible with what. Really enjoy your channel. Very informative.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hi Rick. I guess it depends on your goals. With the right rock work and shells you could probably keep small groups together. You may not get as many fry if you keep combos of multis with calvus or julies, but if you're not interested in breeding, in a community setting it could work. The cypts are more mid water and would probably work will in combo with any of the fish you suggested. Again, large calvus may eat fry though. You could start with the multis and cypts and slowly add Julies and watch the dynamics if breeding isn't a goal? Sounds like a fun project!

[@rickjorstad6666]

I guess I'm not too concerned about breeding the multis as I'm not sure what I would do with all the added fry. I would like to have another compatible species or two in there that would not be too big for the tank for added interest. I don't know enough about cichlids to know what can coexist with what. There are a dizzying number of cichlid species to wade through. Due to the size of the tank and my hard water, I figured Tanganykans were my best bet.

[@philiptomarchio9098]

Question: What a beautiful setup!!!...You have this done perfectly! Was wondering if you think black sand would be ok.....I was thinking it would make the fish really pop. Also where do you get the shells from? Excellent channel you are great at teaching!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Multis often darken up on black sand and start looking a little "muddy". Usually they look better on lighter substrate. Here is the shells info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqDPp4Con9aVY6c

[@philiptomarchio9098]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics PERFECT!! Thank you very much!

[@AlanMartinez-wm9pu]

I have a pair of these, I only have 2 of these shells in a 75 gallon tank with sand, they keep filling one of the shells with sand, and they are very protective of it, are they breeding? And where can I get more of these shells? Great video!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If there is sand in the shell possibly not, If they dig around it, then they may be! So fun to watch. Check out this video. There is a link in the description for where I get my shells. : -) kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4SUkIhtbd1gmNE

[@djneoda1535]

GREAT VIDEO I want to keep these in a 20 long. 2 questions Aquaclear 30, Coarse sponge filter or dual sponge filter? What do you think about using black sand? I thought it would look very cool instead of the normal sand. But I haven't seen anyone using it. Peace ✌️

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They tend to look muddy on dark substrate and not show the best color. I wouldn’t use coarse sponge because they spit sand into them and it becomes a huge mess. Either fine pore or a HOB will work!

[@fishgirl16]

Great info. Do you have tips of trying to catch the juvies as they keep darting in to their shell.

[@Gongdeadman]

If they keep darting in to the shell why not just close the opening and pick up the whole shell?

[@fishgirl16]

@@Gongdeadmanit would seem obvioous however i have been warned they they are very at staying in the shell even after the water is gone

[@vino92838]

Great video. How do you clean their tanks? Do we need to do gravel vaccum?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Usually like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZapoWOfgdxnr7M

[@vino92838]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thanks

[@jeffturner9747]

What are you using as a top for the 50 gallon low boy? Thanks great info in your video, as always!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Polycarbonate Grennhouse siding! Works well.

[@jeffturner9747]

Thank you for the reply, well look into that for my low boy, you the man!

[@jeffturner9747]

How many shells to you currently have in the tank? I watched another video your colony is around 70 i believe you said. Just curious. Thanks

[@quinmallory]

hey bro have you done an update on your lowboy tank lately? I just picked up a lowboy and wanna do Shellie with it to. wanted to see how your were doing

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hey, the last time I showed that tank would have been in my latest fish room tour (part one). I also showed it again in the video I just released yesterday!

[@quinmallory]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics ok cool I actually stumbled across your latest room tour right after i left that comment. but I'll have to check the one from yesterday.

[@jensmith8404]

hi i'm writing for some advice, i absolutely adore your 'multi' shell dweller tanks and the fish, and i want to do a multi tank.. here's the thing, 2 months ago i changed out the dark gravel to light gravel(small - only 10 lbs in the tank), can i just leave the gravel or should i cover with this, add on to of gravel . i think gravel would be okay since they live where there's large rocks and shells, not sand.. what do you think? does arragonite cloud the water if i put the whole bag under water to pour over the gravel.. i plan on getting this to started feeding them and any fry.. baby brine shimp what else would you suggest? thank asap

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They’re going to need the sand to create the environment they prefer. They will often dig around shell and even pile sand next to shells. Mine eat just about everything from flakes, small pellets and live baby brine. Thanks for watching!

[@jensmith8404]

can i put aragonite on top of the gravel? i only put 10lbs of gravel in the tank@@PrimeTimeAquatics

[@karunald]

I adore them. Do you operate a store? I'm in the Chicago area. What is your opinion between these and Caudopuncs?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hey, I don't have a store, but I'm usually at the GCCA swap meets. Both these and the caudopunks are great fish. Multis are a little easier to manage though.

[@NordicLetsPlays]

Beautiful tank! What kind of filter is that in there?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! I just have two sponge filters running on the multi tank.

[@NordicLetsPlays]

thx for the answer :)

[@katerinamafiosa]

Hi Jason, i was hoping you could help me. So i just bought a 10G tank i want to use as a quarantine tank. I have a 29G tank and have 3 white skirt tetras. I was going to move the tetras into the 10G to cycle it; i heard you talking about sand vs gravel. Can i move my gravel into the 10G and put sand in the 29G? will i be cycling my 29G by doing this all over again? is this even possible? I'm in the Chicago area, would it be easier to stop by? I would really like to get into multi's they are so pretty :) I have live plants in the 29G i can move to the 10G also Thanks so much for a great video!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think your plan can work. By moving the gravel into your 10 gallon you will probably also move a lot of the nitrifying bacteria as well. If you are only adding the three fish at first you might not have any issues. As for the 29 gallon, you can certainly convert it to sand. One thing that may help is leaving the used filter media in the 29 gallon filter so you don't lose all the nitrifying bacteria in that tank. If you are adding mulities to the 29 gallon just make sure you don't have any ammonia or nitrite issues before adding them. The other thing you can do for both tanks is add some Fritzyme 7 to the tanks, which will help make sure you don't have any ammonia or nitrite spikes.

[@katerinamafiosa]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics you're so awesome!! thank you!!

[@jensmith8404]

hi again, can you please tell me what filter you on this tank? i have an AquaClear 70 i use, i plan on getting a low boy tank to move my multi's into.. just not sure when ,im in the planning stage now and i love your lowboy.. *S

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

A couple tidal 35s work well on opposite ends of the tank.

[@bpbny1006]

Do you have any recommendations for low PH becuase out of tap I get around 6.5 and I want to get fine CaribSea Sand and not use coral as a base becuase I dont like how its rockyish? Also would the Texas Holey Rock raise PH and is it a little or it be a lot I have a 10 gallon by the way.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The best way (most consistent) to raise pH is using the crushed coral. I know some people have put crushed coral in a filter bag and placed it in their filter (after rinsing it). I have not tried it myself, but know people who have had good luck with it. Texas Holey Rock will raise pH and hardness a little, but I'm not sure it will be enough to make a difference. I stay away from the chemicals like pH up because they make pH stabilization difficult (especially in a small tank). Hope this helps.

[@susaz7694]

Hi jason! Can you please tell me if it's possible to have Multifasciatus with Callipterus and Calvus? Or will are the Multis so small that the other 2 will eat them? Thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I don’t think they will get eaten at full size but the fry would be eaten.

[@susaz7694]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics would the Multis and the callipteros fight for the shells? On your Callipteros video you said that the dominant male would hoard the shells.

[@jeffb5785]

I have a group of 10 or 12 Multi's, I was going to ask what kind of catfish would fit in with them but you answered that in this video, With all the shells and decorations in my 30 gallon tank I worry that uneaten food will stay in the tank too long. What do you suggest?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We’ve actually been keeping bristlenose with them without too many issues.

[@jeffb5785]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Maybe I misunderstood, I thought you said in the video that you removed the bristlenose from the Multi's tank?

[@kathleenmonsegue9700]

Will my albino blue eyed bristle nose pleco be ok since I added a big piece of chollawood driftwood in the tank? My pleco loves to hide in there.

[@Chikaveh]

As stated in the video, a pleco may not be tolerated as these fish inhabit the lower part of the tank exclusively.

[@zakistyle4107]

I'm having a hard time finding Multis at LFS and online, do you have any recommendations on where I can find some to start a colony? :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Usually the two places I look are Aquabid and The Wet Spot. The problem is, Lake Tanganyikan fish often don't ship well and it's winter right now, which makes the problem worse.

[@zakistyle4107]

Thanks for the info, It's really discouraging not being able to find something!

[@3o5richierich]

I want to get a few but I’m tore between the Neolamprologus Multifasciatus and the Neolamprologus Brichardi. What would be easier to breed and care for? I have watched species profile for both, I have soft water in my area and a PH of 7.5-7.8. This would be my first time trying to breed any king of fish.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Both are about the same. The Brichardi tend to breed a little more aggressively, but need more space too. In either case, you would probably want to bring the water hardness up a bit.

[@eliciobenetua1051]

How do you clean the substrate without disrupting the shells or injuring/sucking up fry?

[@andrewnichols4409]

I know this is an older video but I have a question I can’t find an answer for. I have a fluval evo 13.5g would that be an appropriate tank for these fish, and would I need to get a sponge filter or is the one it had ok?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The filter you have is ok. You could start with a pair, but you may have to clear out the fry frequently to avoid issues.

[@jensmith8404]

hi again, as you know im getting a 20 H tank ready for multi's, i have a aquaclear 70 on the tank, low flow setting.. i have a coarse pad at bottom, blue bonded pad and a fair amount of polyfill.. the small bag of chemi blue, topped off with 250ML of matrix.. my question is, i have a wave maker in the tank, i don't see shellie tanks with them, should i remove and put air stone in or maybe a sponge filter to agitate the water on top?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I don't use wave makers. I probably would remove it because it could exhaust the smaller fish.

[@sarajseiberthesavannahdarter]

I'm setting up a tank now planning to get some Multis, I have a 30 gallon breeder I think, it's 36x18 and 12" high. I've seeded it with some media from an established tank and added a few MTS. I used cichlid sand that had BB in it mixed with some other inert sand and crushed coral. I'm going to let it cycle for at least a month or two before adding fish. I'm wondering what kind of clean up crew would work with them? Could I add some nerite snails or a couple of mystery snails? I was planning to start with 2 males and 5 females but seeing this I'm wondering if I should just start with 1 male 3 females? Thank you for this video and any information you can help me with. Also I've seen that they like to eat decapsulated brine shrimp eggs, is this true?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

All great questions and it looks like you are definitely starting out on the right track. As far as snails - at one point there were a fairly large number of pond snails in my shell dweller tanks, and they mostly disappeared (probably because they were being eaten). You could try a BN pleco as long as it has something to hide in. The 2/5 slit should work really well to start. I feed my mutlis live baby brine twice a day and everyone loves it!

[@sarajseiberthesavannahdarter]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks so much!

[@tinadoyle3803]

I have a 75g tank it's more tall then Lond but definitely long enough for them so im wondering how many of these beautiful fish could I keep ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You could start with six and let them fill it when they breed?

[@PULAG]

Trying to find out what I have is a multi or other shell dweller. It's light blue with black stripes, likes the bottom of tank mostly, very small, long and thin so I know it's not a fat convict. What do I have?

[@TheWoolyninja4]

are you just running sponge filters in that tank? i did not notice any other filter intake.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yep - two hydro V's.

[@AcuiVets]

What are the dimensions of the tank? I think is so cool for multis. Congratulations.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

48 x 24 x 10. Thank you!

[@jeromehorn7333]

what size sponge filter are you using ? What size pump would it require?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I have two hydro IV's in this tank. I have a central pump, but you could probably get away with any medium-sized pump.

[@codywatson5583]

hey im literally in middle of setting up a tank for these guys but lost on what kind of sand i should use?

[@codywatson5583]

never mind...lol

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I used pool filter sand, but Nat Geo works well too.

[@aquariumhacksbymarcus5653]

One Q? Do you add salt to their aquarium about to get my 1st shell dwellers this week

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I don't, only because my water parameters are very close to what they need. Adding salt certainly doesn't hurt and is usually beneficial for many African cichlids.

[@oscarthewhale]

Will they be alright as a pair for now? I currently have a pair of them (I think both of them are females) in my tank of neons and ember tetras until I get them a tank of their own and give them a colony.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They should be fine.

[@Hamster7678]

bit of a weird question: what would be a safe size/age to move the babies to a seperate tank? we just have A Lot of fry so want to have them in a seperate tank so territory never becomes an issue.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If they shoot back into a shell I just move the shell (I tend not to worry about the size too much).

[@Thomas.Saunders]

This video is still relevant 6 years later, love these guys but currently don't have the space for them. Maybe some day...

[@David14259]

Great video Jason! I'm planning on getting a group of Multis or Similis in a 20L or so. What are your thoughts on using a fine black sand instead of pool filter/white sand? Thinking it would make their colors pop, but worried it might interfere with their breeding habits? Great meeting you on Saturday and appreciate your thoughts!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hey David! It was great meeting you too. It won't impact breeding, but sometimes are colors actually muddy up a little bit on black sand. Some people like it though.

[@greencobra1173]

What other African Fish could we keep in the same tank with Multi's? do you think an African Butterfly Fish could coexist in a 55 gal with them?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It might work. I am a big fan of Cyprichromis with shell dwellers in a taller tank like a 55.

[@TheKAPAOPANGO]

What Tanganykan would you recommend for 125 gallon please 🙏

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I really like the feather fins and cyprichromis. Both are awesome and usually not over-aggressive.

[@kathleenmonsegue9700]

What kinds of non cichlid fish that stay small can be kept with multies? Can I keep some harlequin rasboras with multies?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It would have to be a tall tank like a 55 gallon? Even at that height there is no guarantee it would work. If the tank is 40 gallons of above I like Cyprichromis leptosoma as an open water fish - very cool! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX63omNniLR2lZo

[@fadeedodokes]

Is it ok to get all females or males? I don’t want to have to deal with fry. Will they be happy? Also, could they share a tank with a school of neon or cardinal tetras?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Probably easier with all females.

[@akshatkhamparia5684]

Hey how are you buffering that ph up to 8 with pool filter sand? Is it okay if i go with Aragonite sand?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Our water comes out of the tap at 8-8.2. Aragonite works well though.

[@jesusmontana2448]

Just got a group!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's awesome!

[@ChinTsaiVanDeBeld]

What are good middle layer tank mates for the Neolamprologus Multifasciatus?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Depends on the size of the tank?

[@ChinTsaiVanDeBeld]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I have the "eheim vivaline 240", 120 x 40 x 50 cm

[@aquablaster86]

Moving my colony of multis from a 10gal to a 20gal long. They are breeding like crazy! I have trumpet snail's in there already but do you think amano shrimp would work? I'm going to try it but wanted to know if anyone else has tried amano or other shrimp with them? Thanks for the vid!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That will be fun giving them a little more space. I think they might kill the amano shrimp, but I haven't tried the combo.

[@aquablaster86]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics i messed up big time. As i was setting up their new 20gal tank i took the media bag filled with crushed coral, carib-sea cichlid substrate mix i had in the filter and placed it in the new tank. Not even thinking about needing to replace it while they were still in the 10gal. I have hard water out of the tap but my ph is on the low side and drops fast unless I buffer it. 2 days went by and all was fine, i wanted the 20gal up and running for a few days before i moved them. I came home from work tonight and went to feed the multis, i only saw 2 males out of their shells and thought to myself why are the rest still hiding? I kept looking until i saw the sand littered with dead fry and females 😥 i first checked the temperature thinking the heater stuck on. As soon as i saw the temp was good it hit me, the PH crashed. Grabbed a test strip and sure enough it was around 6.5 not 8.0 where it normally is. I scooped up the only 2 left and moved them to the 20gal. They seem to be ok but we'll see. I went from a colony of 5 adult's and at least 10-15 juveniles and fry to only 2 males all because i had a brain fart and was excited to get them into the new tank. I learned a valuable and costly lesson. Remind myself to stop and think twice WHENEVER i am adding or removing anything from a tank. A little filter bag about the size of my palm COMPLETELY changed the parameters of the tank, and i KNEW that!

[@h.3531]

How do you maintain this tank? Do you vacuum the sand?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I generally hold the vac just over the surface.

[@MarandaisAmazing]

My tap water comes out of the tap at a really high pH about... 8.8+ but after aging a day or two in a bucket my parameters are: gH = 9d (161ppm) kH= 5d (89ppm) pH= 7.8 I'm interested in keeping lamprologus multifasciatus, but I'm worried ill have trouble keeping the gH up near 12 where it needs to be..? Will simply adding crushed coral to the filter be enough to get me about where I need to be? I would prefer not to use chemicals to get my water at a good state..

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can certainly add crushed coral. You could also consider using a substrate like Caribsea Cichlid Mix, which will help buffer the pH a little higher as well.

[@MarandaisAmazing]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I will look into that, thank you so much!

[@reboot530]

I have a 10 gallon tank and would love to get these fish. where to get the shells?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I did a video about shells and have a link where we get them!

[@mjayb83]

Do you have a store open to the public? Im also from chicago s.s. I would like to come and visit and buy some fish.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

NO, but we will be at the Greenwater Aquarist Society swap Sunday 4/10 and GCCA swap on 4/24

[@bucky6437]

I’m about to set up a multi tank in my 20 gallon, where is the best place to buy them online?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hard to say, maybe the Wet Spot? Lake Tanganyikan fish don't ship particularly well. Maybe a little more risk with these guys than typical tropical fish.

[@yourgonajah1172]

Hello there. I just ordered a fish tank for my multifasciatus which is 4f long 50 cm wide 30cm high looking to breed them & have big colony need your suggestion regarding filtration please, I'm thinking to run two aquaclear hang on the back but not sure what size I should go for ? Two of the 70 or two of the 110 for the best filtration for that size tank? Thank you for your help 🙌🏽

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That sounds like a lowboy like the one here. The Aquaclear intakes will be too long (in fact that will be the issue with most HOB filters). You could either look at a Seachem 35, which we run on our other lowboy, or even combine one of those with a sponge filter? The other option is an internal canister filter?

[@yourgonajah1172]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics the multi vids of the tank u got is what inspired what I'm doing 🙌🏽, as you know the seachem is good but the intake not going to work for the multi frys? The aquaclear without the extension still not going to work?

[@bigbord3756]

so could you possibly keep this type of fish with larger freshwater invertebrates such as crayfish?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I probably wouldn't because they would most likely fight with each other given where they both reside in the tank.

[@awer01]

What's a good clean up crew for a tank like this?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I have an adult bristlenose in there at the moment and it's working out ok. They would definitely needs somewhere to hide though. Other than that - nothing I can think of because they tend to attack most fish that come near the bottom of the tank.

[@ravagedcore131]

Should we be worried about them jumping out of an open 20 long tank or is it uncommon

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes! They love to jump!

[@hypocryt1805]

Where do u get the shells, and where do you buy the fish

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Here you go! amzn.to/2QY0skP

[@29534450]

If you were using a 55. What other cichlids could u add that wouldn't interfere with there colony?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would definitely go with Cyprichromis leptosoma! They have awesome color, mid/top water and enjoy the same water parameters. They can be pricey though.