welshalien

I want to switch the substrate in my 10g to sand. I'm planning to get the pool filter sand based on what others here have said. I've read that adding MTS keeps the sand agitated enough to avoid problems with anaerobic pockets. I have 2 yoyo loaches in the tank -- will they stir up the sand enough that I won't need to add snails? I'm afraid they'll eat the snails if I put them in. And if I DO decide to add the snails, where can I get them? I don't remember seeing MTS in any of the tanks at my LFS. Thanks!

Kelly

sirdarksol

Yoyos may have problems eating MTSs. These snails have some of the hardest shells. I can't promise this, though.

If yoyos burrow, they'll probably keep the sand stirred pretty well. If you just take a bamboo skewer (or other similar implement) and poke at the sand (in something like a 1" grid) periodically, it would be fine.

As far as buying MTS, post a "wanted" post in the "Buy/Sell/Trade" section of the forum, and you'll probably be able to get some for pretty cheap. They breed so readily that most people get them as hitchhikers or from friends.
Another thing would be to look for them at the pet store (they're the conical snails, and most pet stores have a ton of them), and if they don't sell them, just ask an employee to toss a couple in the bag when you buy fish/plants, etc...

welshalien

I wasn't even aware there was a Buy/Sell/Trade section here -- this could be trouble!!

Thanks for your quick response!