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What are the best, and safest snails to add?

PostPosted:04 Dec 2017 17:16
by Jlynniesue
I would like to add snails to my tank. The algae on the walls is a nuisance and well as keeping gravel substrate cleaner. I’m hesitant because I am afraid they could bring in contaminates.
I’m currently shopping for substrates, moss balls, and snails. What are your best picks? Are there any products or methods you use, that are your ‘go to’ for general decontamination or prep of new live additions ?
Thanks in adavance!

What are the best, and safest snails to add?

PostPosted:04 Dec 2017 19:32
by odin
How many liters/gallons is your tank the snails will be going into? Some folk have had success with these 2 fresh water snails very very slowly acclimated to brackish water but these will breed like rabbits and take over you tank if not careful, some will argue that numbers stay low as they dont have enough food in the tank to reproduce but i've never been one to take the risk;


- Malaysian Trumpet Snails (MTS) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_Trumpet_Snails
- Tarebia granifera - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarebia_granifera

Then we come to Nerite snails, Nerite snails can be fresh water or brackish and do well in both, they will only reproduce in brackish water but its going to be pretty much impossible to get them to successfully have eggs that ever hatch, unless you are really looking to set up your tank to breed them purposely and you really know what you are doing. There are lots of Nerite snails:


- Zebra Nerite Snail - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neritina_natalensis
- Horned Zebra Nerite - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Clit ... ema_01.JPG

Then we have another type of snail found in Hawaii that seems to do really well in brackish but i dont know anything about them as ive never kept them, @opae ula related keeps them and has even had them reproduce in his tank so he would be better to ask.


- Pipipi Snail - Nerite picea


If you have a large tank and a lot of algae then why not go for a couple of zebra Nerites as they grow pretty big and bulldoze algae, if you have a smaller tank get a Horned zebra Nerite or 2 as they only grow a 3rd of the size of the Zebra Nerites and wont run out of food to eat in a small tank. When it comes to contaminates you are at the mercy of who ever sends them out to you unfortunately and most Nerites are kept in fresh water tanks when purchased so when you drop them in your tank they may not survive if they don't adapt. They are both fresh and brackish but when they travel in the post or get cold via travel it can reduce their chances of transitioning over for one to the other.

For substrates take a look at this part of my guide: http://opaeula.co.uk/page/how-to-setup- ... #subs_decs

Re: What are the best, and safest snails to add?

PostPosted:05 Dec 2017 15:59
by opae ula related
fyi,
Request the Neritina Neglecta species (formerly known as Theodoxus Neglectus). The Nerita Picea species with white lines don't survive long in brackish water. Video showing the difference.


Re: What are the best, awou safest snails to add?

PostPosted:14 Oct 2018 01:20
by Mlbumiller
Would be nice to know were to obtain the mentioned snails as web search turned up nothing

Re: What are the best, and safest snails to add?

PostPosted:14 Oct 2018 09:31
by odin
Mlbumiller wrote:Would be nice to know were to obtain the mentioned snails as web search turned up nothing
What country are you located in and which type are you looking for?

Re: What are the best, and safest snails to add?

PostPosted:15 Oct 2018 08:11
by Vorteil
As much as I like nerites I prefer the MTS. These do a great job on the surface algae.

Re: What are the best, and safest snails to add?

PostPosted:15 Oct 2018 19:35
by odin
Vorteil wrote:As much as I like nerites I prefer the MTS. These do a great job on the surface algae.
Great photo's there! :cool:

Re: What are the best, and safest snails to add?

PostPosted:19 Oct 2018 18:37
by Algae In Space
Cool snails :grin2:

Re: What are the best, and safest snails to add?

PostPosted:30 Oct 2018 21:25
by Vorteil
I did want to be very clear on the MTS. They will breed and get out of control if there's plenty of food in the tank. If there's a lot of algae they will explode in population. On the safer side you can always go with nerite snails.

Re: What are the best, and safest snails to add?

PostPosted:31 Oct 2018 20:35
by odin
Yup MTS are prolific breeders compared to nerites, great for tank maintenance but you may need to stay on top of them if they have a decent food source.