World's Smallest Cichlids | African Shell Dweller Tank

Today's video is the full setup of the African Shell Dweller Tank, the Fluval Flex 32.5. This is the complete set up of the shell dweller tank, and these fish are the smallest cichlids in the world. These shell dwellers come from Lake Tanganyika in Africa.
Shellies have very unique personality and behavior, as they live, breed and make homes out of shells. Due to this, most shell dwellers can be kept in smaller tanks that are shorter, since most will occupy the bottom few inches of a tank.
I chose Neolamprologus multifasciatus or "Multis" for short. These shell dwellers should establish a colony with breeding very soon, as they are a good size and my water parameters are ideal for Lake Tanganyikan fish.
Merch - teespring.com/cichlid-bros?pi...
If you're interested in any of the products used in the video, feel free to check out the Amazon affiliate links below:
- Escargot Shells: amzn.to/3dV5dXC
- Carib Sea Sand: amzn.to/3uHDyza
- Xtreme Krill Flakes - geni.us/iTAWsN
- Xtreme Nano Pellets: geni.us/SeOf
Thanks again for watching, and we'll see you next week!

[@sadielawson2709]

Shell dwellers are amazing fr. I’ve actually had my similis a little over 3 weeks and I still sit and watch them daily.

[@matthewmoorecichlids2323]

Similis is and always will be my favorite fish. Beautiful lil dudes!

[@sadielawson2709]

@@matthewmoorecichlids2323 they truly are awesome. I’ve got probably 20+ fry right now and I have no idea what I’m gonna do with them 😂

[@sadielawson2709]

@Gen M well I’ve got probably 50+ fry now 😂 I kept the heat a bit higher (82°f) and fed 3 times a day & within a month I noticed my first spawn.

[@AaronLewisOfficial]

Hello, I was wondering if you guys thought a 15 Gallon would be a good size for a small colony for breeding?

[@sadielawson2709]

@@AaronLewisOfficial i have 3 pairs in a 20 long a one pair in a 10 so you could probably do two pairs or one male and 3-4 females in a 15 gal.

[@riteshfamily369]

Beautiful video my friend 👍😇

[@DJ00seven]

Bought the Fluval Flex 32 today and can’t wait to get the fish in there. I have watched this video so many times lol. Can’t wait. Thanks for posting

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching! Best of luck with the setup!

[@baconsarniesquadron9050]

I have been waiting for shell dwellers!!!! I want to put a group of them in my 32 gal :)

[@adammason4454]

I do think multis are the best. The others tend to be a bit more aggressive and you they eat their fry. Multis form colonies and raise their young in them.

[@lanalovesjesus6133]

Great choice of movie clips lol

[@CichlidBros]

Haha, thanks!

[@twunderaquatics1770]

Thus video is the one that finally got me on shellies. After a year I finally got mine. Wish I would have done it sooner. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@CichlidBros]

Great to hear! Best of luck with the shellies!

[@adammason4454]

I love these little cichlids ive had my about 6 months now. Just added some leptosoma on the top now and they work well together.

[@CichlidBros]

Nice! I was considering them or Brichardi but will hold off for awhile. Might have another tank soon that could work for the setup

[@adammason4454]

@@CichlidBros ive heard brichardi are really aggressive when they spawn and most people keep them in a species only tank. With the Leptosoma they have really small mouths and won't eat the multi fry. Have a look at prime time aquatics they have some leptosoma with brevis.

[@CichlidBros]

@@adammason4454 good to know! I actually got most of the ideas for this tank from Prime time. Great info and setups

[@eugenefuhri5466]

@@CichlidBros Birchardi are monsters. I had them in a tank with some Occelatus. The Brichardii picked on the Occies to the point i had to set up a new tank for them.

[@adammason4454]

@@eugenefuhri5466 occies are a lot more aggressive than multis as well

[@EpicConspiracy]

When you fill the tank with water stick the python in middle section in the back so you don’t have to sit there and hold it. Doesn’t mess up the scape or kick up sand at all, this alone makes the flex a awesome tank

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for the tip! Much better than moving the whole lid each time

[@CraigersFish]

Love that tank! I might have to look into something similar and put it on my work desk, and move some of my Multis from my 40 breeder colony into one. Be careful using that particle board. When it gets wet it will warp. If your tank is only being supported by the particle board, and not sitting over the rails of the shelf the tank might fall through the particle board.

[@mariamhernandez3377]

BEAUTIFUL 🥰❤️!!! Excellent set-up!!!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@Dmott720]

Awsome set-up!

[@TheMooseMcLovin]

Man shell dwellers in the flex have been my dream tank since I started in the hobby! Beautiful tank tho!

[@adam7260]

I love aqarium adventure it’s the heaven

[@Bornintheseat]

I really appreciate the video going from the beginning of the process to the end in one video. Your tank is simple and looks great! Thanks for sharing.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you, appreciate that!

[@zsworld6609]

I have a low boy of these. Absolutely amazing fish! Good choice and a lot of mine are from the cichlid shack as well

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome! Would love a low boy one day

[@DreamWeaverPets]

These are great, we have an entire fishroom of shell dwellers :)

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome!

[@WONDERFULREPTILES]

PERFECT VIDEO LIKE

[@CaylorsReptilesAquatics]

Great ideas with the stone and plants for line of sight breaks. I’m about to set up a 33 long for shellies. Thanks for the ideas

[@adammason4454]

What shellie are you thinking of getting?

[@WhiteCloud746]

well done

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@matthewmoorecichlids2323]

My man! Good for you getting these from James. He’s a great guy. I have a group of these as well! Great setup.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! Yeah they came in very healthy and looking great. Started breeding in less than two weeks!

[@twunderaquatics1770]

On your shelf. Did you use the pressed board that it came with? I've always been a little afraid using pressed board and water. Good luck. Liked

[@jillholler7983]

Like the dragon stones and shell aspects of the tank!

[@dannymac9469]

I got a 55 and a 20 with shell dwellers, love those little guys, the ones in the 55 are crazy diggers and its fascinating watching them dig and move sand around.

[@adammason4454]

What have you got multis as well?

[@dannymac9469]

@@adammason4454 in the 55 yes.

[@adammason4454]

@@dannymac9469 just multis? I recently added some leptosoma to my multi tank.

[@rwx6199]

What’s a good beginner shell dweller?

[@adammason4454]

@@rwx6199 multis are a good beginner one.

[@bencharisse4079]

Awesome

[@yorkaquariums1840]

Beautiful tank! The dragon stone and anubias really pull it all together. Great video and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this tank progresses! Definitely subscribed.

[@iqbaljumani4717]

Nice video Beautiful fishes Neat and clean aquariums 👏👏👏🐟🐟🐟

[@Bogrin]

Amazing setup! I’ve been thinking of starting a similar tank so this video is a great resource!

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome, glad it was helpful!

[@emiliaroman8631]

Amazing work, keep it up!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@legionaquatics]

great shelly tank I hope to keep some in the future and I like that you added plants keep it up.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching!

[@bigjay4142]

So cool I really love those fish never had them yet great job on the Aquascape I think the rocks in the plants look so awesome

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@Alto1960]

Nice clean set up. I have the 15 gallon version, just haven't decided what fish to stock it with. Sometimes simple is best. Good job.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@JasonsCichlids]

Beautiful tank mate for an underrated, extremely cool fish! You'll have a huge colony in no time mate! Good luck with them from Australia ✌

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you, Jason!

[@crazyaboutafricancichlids1612]

Very nice tank!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@rontronnesjr]

Thank you for the informational video - I have a 20 long that I've wanted to do something with and I decided shell dwellers (multifasciatus) would be a pretty cool addition. Also nice to see you are in the Chicago area - I'm born and raised although I live in Western NY now (Rochester) but I visit a couple times a year as I have family in the Southwest suburbs (Orland Park, Mokena, New Lenox). I look forward to watching more of your videos - thanks for sharing.

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@mecklonpereira7580]

I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching and following along!

[@snoopysrc]

awesome video

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@tannerolafson3619]

Hey I love your videos, and you guys have given me some great ideas for my tanks

[@tannerolafson3619]

You guys actually got me into cichlids keeping

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome! Glad you’re enjoying the content and starting up with cichlids. Best of luck!

[@MikeVieira]

Very cool! I have similis coming on Thursday so I'm hyped! What are you feeding you guys?

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome! Currently micro pellets and crush krill flakes from xtreme. Live baby brine likely soon

[@MikeVieira]

@@CichlidBros great thanks for the reply!

[@nikalepak727]

Really nice! I just started a Flex 15 and happened to find a used Flex 32 today. Now I'm thinking I could build a 66" long stand and get another 15 and put all three side by side with different types of fish since both tank sizes have the same profile. Maybe shellies in the middle eventually. Enjoy your fish room!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! Sounds like an awesome plan. Best of luck

[@sharonlewis6258]

Love that tank. I'm glad you are not adding other types of fish.

[@space_ghost_z941]

I want Shellies do badly. Gotta convince the waifu on another tank lmao

[@CichlidBros]

Haha do ittt

[@markmilano1815]

Nice man, note taken on the 40 breeder and another large tank... lol

[@CichlidBros]

Haha yeah man can’t wait

[@AaronLewisOfficial]

Sick! I am looking into breeding them but I am just doing research if a 15 Gallon would be okay, any thoughts?

[@Leodiaz898]

I live a little far from that fish store. every time I go I can't find the fish I want but nice video

[@cjcichlidsbailes1346]

I started out with 6 now there is atleast 200 in my 75 gallon they are great little fish funny I have a couple videos on mine on youtube hilarious they are

[@danielmintz1792]

Great video, im really tempted to set up a shell dweller tank. What water do you use? tap water or RODI? also what are your parameters? thanks

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! I use tap, and my params are around 8.0 with hard water

[@jensmith8404]

hello, i love the tank and set up.. just perfect for them fish.. i plan on adding some multi's to my 20g with 2 brichardi's in it,, now, i had that aquasky light on my tank, all i got for 10 mouths was algae and some scum on the glass (no idea what it is).. the last setting i used was 100% blue, 90% white, 0 on the green and red.. and algae in a week,.. if i don't use high white light, i can't see the blue streaks in the brichardi's face.. can i ask your setting numbers on that multi tank are, please? i assume that blue on the aquasky isn't actinic?? right now, i went back to what i was running, 12k ecoxtic led light (36 watts cut down to 60% PS, help, im tired of wasting money on lighting and not getting the right one!! i want this all right before i get a group of multi's after the holidays.. (online)

[@ontarioaquatics9643]

Just got a 20 gallon long to start with these guys! I’m debating on if I want to have mbunas in my 55 or if I want to have a big colony of Multis

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome, best of luck!

[@08r0710]

Is there anywhere else you would recommend to get them, bcuz when I checked “the cichlid shack” they appeared to not have any right now

[@jensmith8404]

hi can you please tell me the color settings you use on your aquasky light?? thanks

[@tucker9375]

Nice cichlids i wouldn't mind putting one in my community tank but been advised not to got lemon tips, cardinals, Black Neons widows, Corey's in there, so any ideas of a show piece fish i can put in ? Any advice would be grateful.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! A good alternative would be the apistogramma. Great color but doesn’t get to large and can go in most communities

[@b5rs424]

Just got a 40G breeder tank, looking for stands. I’ve seen the one you have comparing it to the imagitarium stand. What’s your take on it as far as which one is better? Thanks.

[@b5rs424]

@@getgappedtv7173 so stay away from Home Depot muscle rack, instead get the ones at petco?

[@b5rs424]

@@getgappedtv7173 thank you

[@alfredodeeric]

I'm looking at the fluvel flex 15 gallon, do you think that would be sufficient for a shell dweller tank?

[@CichlidBros]

It would work for a bit if you start with a few shellies, but they’ll quickly breed and a 15g may not be enough unless you remove some occasionally

[@jroc01]

Sorry but what kind of watch were you wearing during the set up?

[@CichlidBros]

Its a Garmin that I use a lot for running

[@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?

[@CichlidBros]

Wavemaker would be fine if it’s light flow. Otherwise I’d do an airstone

[@jensmith8404]

thanks@@CichlidBros

[@larsonkaser3381]

Is that at Petland in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago?

[@CichlidBros]

Yep

[@descent5640]

Where did u get the shelving that you put ur tanks on ?

[@CichlidBros]

Home depot

[@gourabsarkar837]

Make a tank with Juliedochromis transcriptus or marleri in future. ^_^

[@zoerossi46]

OMG I just did this exact set up a few months ago. Wish I could share a pic. Same tank same sand same fish ...no plants though. Weird ....... what are the chances lol

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome! Best of luck with your new tank!

[@LegendsAquatics]

Any tips mine had babies

[@JonathanRodriguez-fy3hm]

Where did you order you shell dwellers off of??

[@CichlidBros]

Cichlid shack online

[@yonkamacho9842]

what rack did you buy?

[@CichlidBros]

It’s a storage rack from Home Depot. Might swap it out for a DIY stand soon though for peace of mind

[@angelfishkeeper3027]

🛸🛸🛸🌍🐠

[@johndavidlofgren6518]

🖐

[@flicksby3930]

You put that tank on the cheap pressboard that came with the shelf. I got the exact same shelf and with your tank like it is now, it will eventually fail and collapse on you (the cheap press board not the metal shelf). None of the corners of the tank are being supported by any metal from the shelf. The weight of this tank filled is an incredible force on the pressboard. The shelf you have would have been better suited for two 40-gallon breeders. Move the 32.5 gallon somewhere else.

[@CichlidBros]

The New CICHLID FISH ROOM is Here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZawlKyIi7yHgbc

[@CivicGang24]

How many would fit in a 29gal ?

[@CichlidBros]

I started with 8 and already have a ton of babies

[@CivicGang24]

@@CichlidBros amazing ! How big do these guys grow ? Can they live in the 29 comfortably with the babies ?

[@CichlidBros]

@@CivicGang24 only a few inches. They’ll do just fine with them. They’re great parents 👍🏻

[@mitchsfishes1719]

I love shell dwellers!! Also, how do you trick your wife into allowing so many tanks? Asking for a friend...

[@CichlidBros]

Haha, it helps that the tanks are in a separate room out of the way. But mostly just begging until she’s cool with it lol

[@grantmoritz1051]

How much do Multis cost?

[@CichlidBros]

These were $19 a piece from Cichlid Shack

[@adam7260]

What shells are tho’s

[@CichlidBros]

Escargot shells. Link in description if you need it!

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

I' would recommend switching that pressed board out for a plywood board that is sealed up with some polyurethane. I had that same board and it started warping with the weight of two 5 gallon tanks. Once it gets wet, it starts sagging even more. Also, if that is that 36 inch long stand you'll have to remove the top tank to drop in a 40 gallon breeder. Just sharing what I have learned when using that stand. I have two videos on my own channel that detail what I did and what I was going to do moving forward.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! I was in a bit of rush with the stand option and it should work for now. I'll likely replace with a stronger stand when I'm getting the 40 breeder (soon). I knew I'd still use the shelving for aquarium supplies at a minimum, so won't be a total loss!

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

@@CichlidBros Gotcha. My stand has been up for over a year now with no issues regarding weight, I like it and works well. As you said at a minimum it just turns into storage. I have also found that 5 gallons on end work very well on this rack

[@flicksby3930]

I agree with the pressboard concerns. I do not agree with the 40 breeder comment though. If he gets an Aqueon (Petco) 40 Breeder then yes, he will need to remove the top shelf to slide the 40 in. If you get the TopFin (Petsmart) 40 breeder it can slide right in through the side openings on the bottom shelf. I would recommend he replace the wood either way here. 💯

[@CichlidBros]

It was fine for over a year, as long as you keep good care of it. But I built a new stand for it

[@fernandomonramos1129]

Where u buy ur fish from

[@CichlidBros]

Cichlid Shack for this tank

[@fernandomonramos1129]

@@CichlidBros thank you

[@fernandomonramos1129]

@@CichlidBros I have looked at eaby and 60 dollers shipping is that how it is for fish everywhere

[@MamboGuy914]

You don't rinse your sand? 4:52

[@CichlidBros]

Nope

[@jensmith8404]

hi can you please tell me the color settings you use on your aquasky light?? thanks

[@CichlidBros]

I do about 25% white and blue