DeanAsploded

I want to try out a snail-only tank, as some know already.

My plan is to use a five gallon, but only put 3-4 gallons of water in it. I'm pretty sure I only want one, but maybe more depending on whether or not the fish shop has smaller species than the 2-3'' apple snails. (And of course depending on which species' look I prefer once I get out there.)

I plan to add water and media from one of my established healthy tanks. Would that be an (semi-)instant cycle or do you think it'd take the same amount of time as a regular nitrogen cycle?

Do I have to worry about my water getting -too- hard if I add cuttlebone or eggshells or calcium tablets?

Basic floorplan for the tank:
-a low-level filter
-an upturned filter box inside the tank (minus the motor and all metal/wires) with a minor adjustment it will both stay above the waterline and have a grate above the box hole. I figure I can place food here and then less waste will get into the water allowing me to just reach in and take the box out when their done eating and refill it with water. Won't need as many water changes, I figure.
-leftover gravel substrate from the other tanks
-a piece of wood or two to give them something to do/crawl up I guess; afterall, would you want to go back and forth over a flat empty space all day?
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Anyways, that's the gameplan. Anything I haven't considered or should fix?

matt6765

I think it sounds good.... it should be a instant cycle

DeanAsploded

Thanks. I know most people don't really consider snails needing much, if any, care, but I really think I should make sure I'm covering everything that could make it healthy/happy since it'll just be in its own tank, and it's not like it's just a decoration/added bonus/occasional amusement of another tank.

Forgot to mention that there will also be a heater, but only to keep the temperature stable (18c) in the winter. (My room stays fairly cold during the winter.) On the one hand it won't be as active or some species may even hibernate for part of the coming winter, on the other hand it'll live longer.