shell dwelling fish

[RichE]

Ok silly question, but do you have to use actual shells? I haven noticed that a lot of people use flower pots inc my self, would they work for this type of fish?

What about coconut shells, I noticed some at the lfs the other day.

I am going to try my luck with these, and just want to get the tank ready

[lilscoots]

I've heard of people using pvc elbows for shellies but not pots or coconuts.  I use japanese trap door snails.  I go to a local pond and walk the shoreline and pick up the large dead ones, clean them and rinse them in bleach water and soak them in regular water.  when you put them in the tank you'll have to spin them to get the air out, or they'll float.

Here's a pic

[jcunningham0295]

I use muffin snail shells, turbo snail shells, whale eye shells, and escargot shells.

[RichE]

I use muffin snail shells, turbo snail shells, whale eye shells, and escargot shells.

With all the fish you sell Josh, you eat escargot a lot

[jcunningham0295]

I use muffin snail shells, turbo snail shells, whale eye shells, and escargot shells.

With all the fish you sell Josh, you eat escargot a lot

I wish that was the case.  I sell enough to cover my electric bill that is about it.

[Ron]

The fish are a lot happier and less skittish with shells.

IMO, if you're going to keep them, make the investment and buy some shells.

[Regalblue]

The fish are a lot happier and less skittish with shells.

IMO, if you're going to keep them, make the investment and buy some shells.

agreed, spend the $5 at the craft store.

[RichE]

I have some small sea shells, will those work?

[linuxrulesusa]

I have some small sea shells, will those work?

IIRC if the shells are too 'complex' then the fish can possibly get stuck.  So, gauge the size of the fish and the size of the shell and whether it's just your normal shell or one of those crazy twisty ones.

[Arturtle]

agreed, spend the $5 at the craft store.

I did this at first when I got mine.  I kind of picked through them to find the best bag, but not all of them will be what you're looking for.  I just bought 50 whale eye shells for $34 to my door as I couldn't find anything local.

[Regalblue]

agreed, spend the $5 at the craft store.

I did this at first when I got mine.  I kind of picked through them to find the best bag, but not all of them will be what you're looking for.  I just bought 50 whale eye shells for $34 to my door as I couldn't find anything local.

Yep.... I ended up buying 3 bags to get the ones I wanted. But, one could just buy a bag & replace unwanted ones as necessary.

[lilscoots]

Another thing i've heard is getting escargot, enjoying a nice meal (I have no idea if I'd enjoy it, i've never had escargot), then cleaning the shells and throwing them in your tank.  I went the free route of making an afternoon out with my daughters (5 and 2 yrs old) to go find shells for our shellies   

[four_by_ken]

I gave options... the shells were always first choice.