Escargot shells - anybody used them?

[yorkie1980]

I've seen the tanganyika aquariums which include these shells for snail dwelling cichlids, and I'd like something unique and natural for my tank.

Does anybody think these shells would work as hidey holes for my SA dwarfs?

 

[Mike Wise]

Yes, apistos will use them. The shells are composed of the mineral aragonite, a more soluble form of CaCO3, which will harden your water. Most apistos will not appreciate the extra hardness. The amount of hardening will depend on number of shells, softness of water, and pH. I wouldn't use them if it were my tank.

 

[yorkie1980]

Thanks for the tip Mike, that's really useful, I'll keep searching for a suitable cave habitat for them.

Any suggestions welcome

 

[tompoz]

Get a coconut or a piece of bogwood with some natural holes in it. Works fine in my bigger aquarium.
In the smaller tank I have just piled few roots and rositae love all the hiding spaces inbetween the roots.

 

[regani]

if you have fine sand as substrate I found that pieces of driftwood together with leaf litter works well in many cases. the females will start digging their own caves under the DW and sometimes also take residence under some leaves where they also dig out some of the sand. otherwise you can use small flowerpots (or parts thereof) or half coconut shells and cover them up with DW or leaves if you don't like the look or even glue some plants (java moss, anubias) on top, which will cover it up over time.

 

[Mike Wise]

Ceramic 'pleco' tubes and proper diameter lengths of bamboo or PVC are other options.