Ich (y) tank and tankmates? 9/19/06
Dear WWM Crew,
<Amanda>
I have several questions that I have Googled, but don't seem to find
the answers that I seek. (I am an amateur 10-gallon tank owner.) I
have a planted tank with :
2 Sunburst platys
2 female bettas
4 neon tetra
1 yellow 'mystery snail'
...and a snail problem.
My first question is this : how can I rid my tank of all the little
brown snails that keep popping up out of (seemingly) nowhere?
<Mmm, posted:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwsnailcompfaqs.htm>
My second question has a bit of background to it. My 2 lovely lady
Bettas were purchased from a major pet retail store, and were
immersed in blue medicated water. I believe I introduced 'ick' into
my tank when introducing these fish. What are some 'betta-safe'
measures that I can take to rid my tank of these parasites?
<Mmm... Copper and Malachite Green containing remedies (almost all
the effective chemical treatments contain one or both) are toxic to
your plants and snail... I would try elevated temperature alone...
Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwich.htm
and the linked files above...>
My third (and final) question also deals with 'ick'. Are snails
susceptible/possible carriers of this protozoan parasite?
Thank you very much,
Amanda
<Ah, no. Bob Fenner>
Coming Soon... Dwarf Puffers, and snails
8/20/06
Dear Crew,
<Shel>
Previously we have discussed my goldfish, specifically, the Fantail
named Sara. As you know, tanks are addicting
<Heeee! Oh yes>
and my son decided he wants Puffers in their old 10-gallon tank. I have
it very nicely planted (thank you AZ gardens for your Plants for Dummies
habitat kits) and ready for Puffs. I have what may be a really stupid
question but I need to ask it anyway. I know elsewhere you recommend
raising
snails in a separate tank for them but I was wondering why you cannot
just put the snails in the tank with them.
<Just hard to impossible to control many of the hermaphroditic species
numbers/population mainly, and that the puffers may eat them all...>
If this is one of those, "Duh" questions, I am truly sorry. I have
enclosed a photo of the prepared tank purely because it's a nice
picture. The water
level is low because I had just finished planting. Thank you once again
for all you do.
Shellie
<Though puffers of most sorts/species will make short work... eat the
snails. Bob Fenner> |
|
 |
Snails and Sand - 05/10/2006
Hello,
I have learned so much from the information you provide on you website. Learn
something new everyday they say. Wow!!....that's an understatement.
<Excellent! Thank you for these kind words.>
My question is this...
I came across a bag of Bone Aid Calci-Sand, T-Rex brand, pure natural calcium
carbonate substrate. Would this be something I could add to my snails tank?
<I wouldn't. This will significantly change the pH and alkalinity of your
water.>
It appears to be for reptiles. If it is alright for my freshwater tank, how
much should I add and how would I add it to the tank?
<Unless your tank's inhabitants want/need a very high pH and alkalinity, this is
not a good plan.>
I have a very handsome Golden Apple Snail, Dale. I take very good care of Dale
and his 10 gallon aquarium. Dale has a heater, filter, bubbler (which he plays
on), and a pump.
<Sounds great!>
His shell is growing so much, I'd say about a half inch of new so far. He
amazes me.
<Sounds like he's a pretty happy snail.>
I'll look forward to hearing from you.
<For now, I'd suggest to leave well enough alone, and not add this to your
tank. Sudden changes in pH are not good for your critters.>
Thank you for your time and expertise, -Jill
<And thank you again for your kind words! Wishing you well, -Sabrina>
Re: Snails and Sand - 05/11/2006
Thank you Sabrina for the valued advice.
<Glad, as always, to be of service.>
We'll definitely nix the Calci Sand.
<A good plan, I think.>
Wouldn't want to upset Dale.
<Me neither.>
Thanks again!!
<You bet! Wishing you and Dale well, -Sabrina>
Dropsy? Epsom salt and mystery snails? 4/9/06
Hi,
<Ki>
I have been reading your website on a fairly regular basis for about three
months now (from the time we discussed purchasing an aquarium & since
then--especially before purchasing any new species). Currently we have a 10
gallon tank with 4 platies, 4 Cory catfish, 3 snails (gold mystery, black
mystery, and blue mystery), and 2 glass shrimp. The platies have been with
us about 6 weeks. The Cory cats about 2 weeks. The golden snail-6 weeks, the
black one-4 weeks, the blue one-about 2 weeks. The ph is 7, the ammonia is
0, nitrite 0, nitrate 20.
<Take care to keep those nitrates no higher>
We do not plan to increase the community, though I am aware that the platies
might make that decision for us, in which case we will get another tank.
First, while this did not seem overcrowded to me based upon what I have
read, I am starting to have doubts. Namely, do we have too many snails?
<Not yet... and these are not "bisexual" species listed... so, easier to
monitor...>
Also, until tonight we had 5 platies, but I found one of them dead this
evening. She ate fine in the morning, but then died at some point in the
afternoon/early evening. Her abdomen looked somewhat swollen, but not at all
"pinecone-like." Her scales were still flat against the body and only the
underside of the abdomen was swollen. Still, because of the swelling, I am
wondering if it is some form of dropsy. If so, are the other fish in danger?
<Not likely>
I have read that many dropsy conditions are not contagious, but I am still
worried. Now I am paranoid that the other platies look swollen, though my
husband says I am imagining it. Also, would it be safe to do a treatment
with Epsom salt to be sure? And would the Epsom salt kill the snails &
shrimp?
<Too likely so>
I have seen a reference to the safety of Epsom salt with invertebrates, but
the ones listed in that person's question were all saltwater creatures, not
freshwater ones. I just want to be sure before I do anything. I apologize if
these questions are all answered in obvious places on the website that I
missed.
Thanks,
Ki
<No worries. I would be conservative here re adding anything... Likely the
system, fish being "very new" and this being a "first batch" of young, some
have died more easily. Bob Fenner>
Weekend feeder / snail shell erosion 12/30/2005
Hello! I have been doing some Google searches trying to figure out what was
wrong with one of my snail's shell and read some of your responses. I have
two apple snails, two tiny goldfish and a Ramshorn snail in a 6 gallon
aquarium. I believe the Ramshorn has shell erosion from some form of
nutritional deficiency or soft water.
<These are the most common causes, yes>
The apples are fine, there shells look
pretty good actually, and everybody eats sinking algae pellets and goldfish
flakes. If it is because my water is too soft, how can I make it harder?
<By adding a source of alkalinity... the simplest? Likely sodium bicarbonate
(Baking Soda)... a level teaspoon per ten gallons of new water, mixed in,
allowed to set for a day or more before use>
Will doing this hurt the fish?
<Not if done in moderation, with pre-mixed water>
I read on another website that adding a
weekend feeder may help because of the plaster of Paris,
<Yes>
but I don't know of that was a joke. I went to my local aquarium supply and the
woman behind the
counter suggested a salt bath or antibiotics!!!!
<Mmm, no>
(Also, they did not carry the marine iodine) I need some real help, that won't
kill my snails. Thank
you so much for your time. Sorry if these are elementary questions.
Sincerely,
Kuniko
<You're welcome. Bob Fenner>
I know it seems silly to ask about a snail, but I'm curious.. My husband
recently took over my old tank when I got a new one. He has a silver tip shark
and an Oscar (It was against my advice to get the Oscar!!!) We had a storm that
knocked out the power at about 12:45 am (which sucks since I work for the
electric comp!) I stirred both tanks w/ a wooden spoon before going to bed to
oxygenate the water. Power came back at about 3:30 am.. In the morning I poked
my head in to ck on my husband's fish and they were fine.. Don't remember seeing
the snail.. That night when I went to feed them, snail was dead.. Are they that
sensitive to outages..
<not at all! Quite the contrary... many tidal, shore dwelling species...
leaving, breeding even feeding out of water and living in not so pristine
conditions. Its death may very well have been coincidental.>
The house was around 76 deg which is what they are used to.
<best regards, Anthony>
Snails, calcium supply for same
Yes, i have a question my snails shelves look really ugly I have mystery
snails and i guess they need calcium. what kind of food do i give them the has
calcium?
thanks
-----Jeff c.
<Many choices here. A bit of a "feeder block" made for vacations
for freshwater systems will do a good job for you here. Bob Fenner>
Snail Stuff
Hi Scott
The pH reduction was on the advice of the fish shop man. but he said he didn't
have a book to look up in so he was guessing. What should pH be for a Ramshorn?
Liddy
<Well- no specific pH. Like with other aquatic creatures, stability is what
works best...Make sure that the snail has plenty of food, a stable water temp,
and he/she will be just fine!
Good luck! Scott F.>
Re: snails-Ramshorn
Thank you in regards to the question of sex of the single birthing
mother snail. Now another for you please. I
have 3 large goldfish or
carp now, and was wondering if I can put snails in the same tank without
them getting eaten.
<This should work out fine. These minnow fishes don't generally eat
snails>
Also, I do not use a heater in my carp tank, just
room temperature, and do have snails born in another tank I have that
have a heater, will they survive the temperature of room and if yes or
no, can you tell me some names of snails that can survive with my carp
in room temperature. tanks, Paul
<This also should be fine. Please see here re your last question:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/pdsnails.htm
Most all of the larger species of snails sold in our interest (particularly of
the genus Pomacea (= Ampullaria) will do well. Bob Fenner>
Red Ramshorn snail
Hi
<Hi there! Scott F. here today>
My friend has a single red Ramshorn in her tank (no other
inhabitants). The shop she bought it from had no idea about giving
info on how to care for it properly. She has had it for several weeks
but over the last month it's shell has been getting very dark (almost
black). He spends his time lying on his side in the tank (he is not
dead). She checked the pH it was 8 but is now 7
Any suggestions? Thanks, Liddy
<Well, Liddy- the Ramshorn snail is a remarkably adaptable animal (just ask
anyone who has them in their planted tanks!). They do eat a large amount of
vegetable matter, can eat uneaten food, etc. Snails do spend a lot ofttimes just
"sitting around". I know that you've heard the term "slow as a
snail"...It's for a reason! I would keep an eye out on that pH. A downward
shift in pH is a call to re-examine husbandry procedures (i.e; water changes,
etc.). If this pH reduction was intentional, please disregard this! Good luck!
Scott F.>
One of Millions of Questions from a Novice
>Please don't laugh.
>>Oh, alright. ;) Marina here today.
>I visited your site and have learned much. I don't come anywhere
close to the serious care of fish and other aquatic animals. My
wife gave my daughter Aquababies two years ago. Of course the fish
have died. However, I have been caring for snails that started with
two. This is the third year of caring of what the LFS referred to as
Tiger snails.
>>Fairly easy keepers. Though they can be somewhat prolific.
>They are small dark brown with a spiral cone and have never gotten larger
that about three quarters of an inch.
>>Sounds like the animal to me.
>I don't have the heart to let them die. So I've tended to
cleaning the little tank and cleaning the stones once or more a
month. They float upside down and suck what ever they can from guppy
fish food. I have been curious as to what would be normal for life
cycle, what do they normally eat.
>>Don't know their life cycle, and they're very common in planted
systems. If you want to add some easy to grow plants, Anacharis and
the like are good, though you'll have to pull a lot of die-off
out. You can also try weighing down stuff like zucchini for them,
too. Of course, good old fish food works, just don't give too much.
>I noted that if I supply a lot of floating food the eight to twelve come to
the surface. A day or so later there appears a cloud or smoke beneath
them.
>>Snail poo?
>I allow one of these cycles but usually clean the tiny
tank. Generally the tank will turn brown like nicotine about a week
or two later.
>>Does it require anything more than a water change? If so,
consider a small sponge filter (air driven) to help out.
>I may not being doing these guys any favors keeping them in such a small
environment not knowing too much about them.
>>They truly don't know the difference, don't worry about it.
>If I let them, they multiply very fast. Randell
>>You're very kind to take heart to these little mollusks, and it sounds
as though you're giving them a good home. I wouldn't really change
anything. I'm sorry I can't give you more/better information on
them. Marina
Snail Questions - 06/19/2004
Hi,
<Hello. My apologies for any lateness in reply....>
I have a pretty large happy seeming apple snail, not P. bridgesii but one of the
canaliculata group (plant eaters as opposed to decaying matter eaters.... she
ate a little rotunda plant almost to death before I moved it to the other tank,
and nearly killed my wisteria as well :/ but now she has plastic plants).
<Heh, learnin' the hard way! At least the snail enjoyed the snacks, I'm
sure. And after you replant, you can give the snail cuttings from the planted
tank when you prune. Yum!>
She's currently living in a 10 gallon tank with varying numbers of her offspring
and 3 zebra Danios. (The Danios must eat the eggs & young snails as my tank has
not been overrun, but I have seen eggs and baby snails at various times and even
a few as big as peas)
<Mmmm, peas.... Whups, wrong topic, sorry! It would not surprise me that the
Danios might dine on the eggs of these snails.>
This tank was originally home to a Betta,
<Ah, now *he* would dine on very small snails, too. Another boon to your
snails' population control.>
5 Danios, 3 scissortail rasboras, and a Cory. (The Cory and the rasboras have
been moved to the bigger tank that has also, 6 harlequins and an Oto).
<Corys will eat smaller snails, as well. Well, not in a separate tank, but if
you get overrun, you could consider reintroducing the Cory.>
Two of the Danios and the Betta sadly succumbed to hex, which I treated for
multiple times but could not seem to cure in such small fish :(
<So sad to hear that. My apologies for your loss.>
I have two questions about this snail (Jaws is her name... it seemed
appropriate).
<HAH! Appropriate, indeed! I love it.>
How do I know if she is eating enough? I feed the Danios every day or two,
sometimes three, and about every other time I feed the Danios I throw in an
algae pellet or two. (oh yea, the snail when we got her was about as big around
as a quarter, and now is more like a golf ball - she's almost completely grown a
new round on her shell since Jan/Feb when we got her!).
<Sounds like she's eating plenty. If you have any concerns, you might get her
some elodea/anacharis/Egeria and let her munch at leisure, and just replace
these inexpensive plants as they are devoured - many folks use this plant as an
excellent food source for goldfish; it would taste quite good to Jaws, I'm
sure.>
Her newest shell growth seems pretty thick and is a very nice rich golden color,
<A wonderful sign.>
although when my brother fed her an algae pellet every day for a couple weeks
she grew a quarter of an inch of pretty thin looking shell :/ that was shortly
after we got her though.
<As you seem to be well aware, it might be best not to use that feeding scheme
;) Sounds like she's doing great now, though, eh?>
My other question, which I didn't even think about until I was browsing your
forums... Should I be concerned if she is getting some flaking on the middle few
rounds of her shell?
<I would be concerned, yes.>
She was completely algae covered when we got her (the new shell has been growing
in a beautiful gold color and the algae hasn't spread)
<Excellent.>
and now about a pea sized area of her center spirals on the outside is flaking
to a creamy white.
<Possibly a lack of calcium, perhaps even iodine.... the few large-ish snails
in my shrimp tanks have very obviously benefited from adding Kent Tech Marine
iodine, at a rate of one drop per ten gallons each week (*not* the normal marine
dose).>
Also how do I test water hardness, and other nutrient levels necessary for the
snail?
<You can test total hardness (GH) and carbonate hardness (KH) with test kits
available from most fish stores, or can purchase the kits online from online
e-fish stores, like some of our sponsors. Be sure to get kits for freshwater
aquaria.>
I don't really have any money to spend on them now sadly (and the next cash I
get has to go toward plant food for the bigger tank as half the plants are
falling apart and dying)
<Yikes! You might benefit from reading through our plant sub-web: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PlantedTksSubWebIndex/AquariumGardenSubWebIndex.html
>
but when I do have the cash I would like to be able to take care of all my
animals properly.
<A good plan, for sure. Your snail can probably wait for you to get test kits,
I imagine her problem is not imminently life-threatening. I would, however, try
the Kent iodine for sure.>
Our town water is usually pretty hard though (leaves hard water stains on all
the faucets, etc). That's a good thing for snails right?
<You bet. Hard water stains usually indicate high-ish levels of calcium and
other minerals in the water - certainly good news for Jaws.>
Thanks for any help you guys can give. :)
<Any time, Anna. Please feel free to let us know if we can help you
further. Wishing you and your inverts well, -Sabrina>
Anna R. Dunster
Snail Questions - II - 06/22/2004
Thanks!
<You Betcha!>
So is the shell flaking off from the conditions she was raised in, or conditions
in the tank now, or both?
<Perhaps a bit o' both, but more due to the water she's in now, I'd wager.>
I'll keep an eye out for the Kent Iodine. Do they replenish the old shell as
they grow, too?
<Not really. Hopefully, though, there isn't much damage, and it will not be
very obvious or apparent once you are keeping an eye on hardness and dosing with
iodine - remember, just a drop per ten gallons of the Kent Tech iodine, *not*
the marine dose listed on the bottle.>
Also, is garden lettuce a decent thing to feed her?
<I don't see why not. Most lettuces don't have a whole lot in the way of
nutrition, so you might try for the little bitty baby leaves way down in the
center of the lettuce head when you open it up for dinner. Spinach would be
another good one to try. The younger leaves are probably better, again.>
We don't use chemicals on it (more from laziness than anything but they don't
really need it either).
<Sounds like a tasty treat. Other green garden goodies, like asparagus, shelled
peas, green bean innards (just open the bean), and other such yummies will be of
good use, too.>
I gave her a piece a couple days ago, it's all gone now. Can I assume as long
as she's growing new healthy shell that she is eating plenty, and if she's
growing too fast she's probably eating too much? :)
<Sounds like a plan.>
Thanks again for your help. :)
<Any time, Anna. Wishing you and Jaws well, -Sabrina>
Snail Questions
Hello:
<Hi, Mike D here>
I have been trying to locate some basic information on snails. My boyfriend
bought a snail for his son at PetSmart a few months ago. We were wondering about
a few things and was wondering if you could answer our questions. I guess I
should tell you that I don't know what kind of snail this one is, as far as
species goes, but as far as size goes, it's a little smaller than an egg and it
has a brown shell (don't know if that helps or not)<Yes it does. The most common
large snail in the aquarium trade is the Mystery Snail>. Our questions are:
1). We keep the snail in water, in a jar that has an hourglass shape to it
(bigger at the bottom with a narrowing around the neck that is big enough for
your hand). Is this the proper environment for a snail because I have read some
things on the Internet that talks about placing a snail in a jar with soil and
sticks and such. We are really confused!<MY first suggestion would be to look up
"Mystery Snails" on your browser or in the Google feature here. I'd attach a
link myself for you, but we've been experiencing technical difficulties all day
and I keep losing the entire question when I try>
2). The water gets dirty very quickly. We change his water (bottled spring
water) about every week now. I was wondering if this causes any trauma to it,
transferring it back and forth and is there something that we can add to the
water to help it stay clearer, longer?<Actually a bowl or small aquarium such as
the 2 gallon complete set ups offered in many shops would be a better choice for
a snail of this size.>
3). We noticed yesterday when we got home that the water look a light grey. We
changed the water and the snail has been floating ever since. I've read articles
that talk about how snails like to "float". How long should we wait to determine
if the snail has passed or not?? We would like to replace it before a little boy
finds it floating.<I'm truly afraid that your speedster has gone to the great
snail beyond already, and before long you'll notice an extremely unpleasant
smell as well>
I think that covers the main questions or concerns. Any other advice and info
that you could share with us would be great!<Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
If you wish to keep using the same vase that you're currently using, a smaller
species, such as a Red Ramshorn would work better. I'm almost afraid to ask, but
were you feeding it anything?>
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my note.<You're so very
welcome, and even snails can be a simple introduction into the wonderful world
of pets for a young guy such as yours. Do just a little reading and your next
experience out to be much more satisfying>
Carly
Snail Question (Continued)
<Hi, MikeD here again>
Thank you for the information. We will look into your suggestions about either a
larger container or a smaller snail.<I assume the last one had indeed passed
on? They make small 2 gallon Aquariums, complete with a light, filter and
pretty much most of what's needed. While this may seem like overkill, it's often
the beginning of a life long hobby. I got my first tank when I was seven, fifty
years ago. **grin**>
We were feeding it the small disks/wafers (that look like a button) as per the
instructions, which were every other day. Is that the norm or should we look
into other food??<That's one of the things snails will eat, assuming it was an
algae wafer. They also eat many marine plants, the green algae that grows on the
glass and some even lettuce>
Thanks again.
Super-Short Snail Question - 08/01/2004
Do snails found in the river need to stay in the water at all times?
<Without knowing the particular type of snail, or at least the location of the
river, the short answer is "Yes". Keep in mind, though, that some land snails
will venture into water to absorb moisture and to drink, and some aquatic snails
will venture onto land to lay eggs (though this is NOT true of all species). If
we are talking about an aquatic snail, then chances are, yes, it must remain
submerged to live. Wishing you well, -Sabrina>
Iodine and Inverts - Freshwater - 08/22/2004
Hi,
<Hello.>
You guys recommended Kent iodine supplement for freshwater snails.
<Not so much "us guys" as just me, I think - Sabrina here, the
freshwater-shrimp-obsessed.>
I had the chance to order some and when I received it I discovered that it is a
marine aquarium product. Did I get the right product?
<Yes.>
If so, what's the correct dosage for a freshwater tank with one big snail? :)
<I use one drop per ten gallons every week for my freshwater shrimp tanks. This
seems to have worked wonders for the animals, despite the *seemingly*
insignificant amount of iodine - it has proven the difference between life and
death in my tanks.>
Thanks!!
<You betcha! Wishing you and your snail well, -Sabrina>
~Anna
In search of perfect snail water
Hi, I know you can answer my question (love your website). I currently have
a 75 gallon aquarium with 5 hatchet fish, 5 Corydoras, 6 Pristellas, 2 apple
snails, and 1 common Pleco. All water parameters are good - zero ammonia, zero
nitrites, 10 nitrates. <Great> My pH is 7.5 but my hardness is 5 degrees GH and
4 degrees KH. <All good> I know that the snails would do better with harder
water but don't know about the rest of the fish. <Wouldn't mess with it> The
question is if the water does need to be a little harder for all <only the
snails will like it harder> how can I go about doing this without raising the
pH??? <I wouldn't tinker with the water chemistry here. You may want to dose
with iodine to help with shell formation. Kent Marine Iodine is what I use. Add
one drop per 10 gallons per week or after water change. This is a tiny amount,
no more! Do not add at the strength listed on the bottle. Other brands have
different concentrations, so the dose would vary if you try another brand. Your
conditions are much the same as mine and my snails have no problems growing and
reproducing. They do too well in fact. Don>
Thanks for your help.
