Is there a specific type of snail for dwarf puffers?

I'm setting up a 20 long planted dwarf puffer tank right now and I'm going to add snails. The tank will be cycling with plants and 3 endlers. The purpose of the snails is for the puffers to eat the small ones while the adults continue to reproduce. Is there a specific type of snail for dwarf puffers?

Id like snails that reproduce fast, get big enough to not be bothered by puffers and they don't have to be expensive. These are feeder snails I want to just grab like 20 simple snails for minimal dollars.

I've heard of pond and ramshorn snails that's all I know.

 

Rams horn breed fast bbut I doubt theyll be able to reproduce quickly enough. Dps will suck the ramshorns out of the shell. Id set up a smaller tank for breeding.

 

Bladder snails. I suggest having a separate tank to breed the snails in, or else the puffer will just eat and eat until the snails are all gone and won't have snails to eat.

 

Hmm. Like, would a mystery size snail work? I read that puffers will leave the biggies alone. I don't have the space to set up a snail tank. The tank will be heavily planted if that makes a difference. I guess I don't need snails though cause dwarf puffers don't have the teeth trimming issues. I really wanted to give them their natural food though.

Zebra nerite snails?

 

I personally wouldn't do any of the bigger snails mystery or nerite, if the puffer does try to eat one he may hurt himself. Not to mention they are a bit pricey for what may become a feeder snail.

 

kk I guess I'll just look around, my train of thought was to just have like 500 snails in the tank lol. With a big enough colony a few a day missing from puffers wouldn't make to much a difference I thought.

 

From what I've read though a puffer will just eat and eat and eat, so you may end up with a bloated sick puffer that way. Someone feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

 

What about ghost shrimp or something.

 

Not sure about the ghost shrimp. TexasDomer any suggestions?

 

After some time browsing fishlore and consulting a few threads I think I'll just set up a 10 gal with a sponge filter and some java moss or something. I'm going to have a variety of small snails so the puffers can choose which they want. Plus change the water 50% a week. I'm quitting on shrimp, except If I try a few ghost just to graze, on the hopes that the puffers will leave them alone. I am still curious if adding puffers straight to the tank will be fine. At the time of them being added it will be a species only tank. Thanks for the help Big Red, do you have any puffers?

These are the snails I had in mind. I was just looking for pest type snails.
Ramshorn Snails
Bladder Snails
Malayan Trumpet Snails

Oh, and I know this has nothing to do with the thread, but my pH is 8.3 in a tank and 7.6 from the tap. Is this too high or can the puffers adjust to a pH of 8.3

 

Not sure about the ph. As long as the tank is cycled and you drip acclimate them to ensure no temp or ph shock occurs you'll be fine. Id wait to see if that ph is acceptable. TexasDomer you know if ph is okay?

Yes I do have a puffer. I have a fahaka. They get a little bigger than dwarfs though

 

8.3 should be fine with a slow acclimation. I kept DPs in 8.2 with no ill effects.

 

OK thanks you guys are the best, I think I'll take a pin and poke the bag so when it floats the water goes in and out

 

I was looking at dwarf puffers last night on aquatic arts website and the poke pin hole into bag was one way they mentioned to acclimate.

Though that's still getting bag water into tank ?

 

I'll do water change afterwards

 

I would not acclimate that way. It won't mix the water well and you'll introduce possible contaminants into the tank. A better way would be to put the bag in a bucket or attach it to the rI'm of the tank so it won't topple over and spill water into the tank, and add a cup of tank water every 10-20 minutes. Do this for 1-2 hours. If the bag starts getting full of water, dump some of the bag water down the sink - do not let it go into the tank.

 

OK I'll do that instead, makes more sense.

If I have like 4 puffers in the acclimating bag will they be fine for two hours? I know they are territorial

 

They should be fine.

 

I've been waiting to start this because none of my LFS has had 20 long aquariums in forever.

The one they did have was a total scam. They thought if they added a used filter and lighted lid it would being the price to 25.00

 

I've been waiting to start this because none of my LFS has had 20 long aquariums in forever.

The one they did have was a total scam. They thought if they added a used filter and lighted lid it would being the price to 25.00

What wrong with a 20 gal long tank with lid and filter for $25? That's a great deal if even only one of the items worked.

 

Not around here, it was just a bunch of stuff thrown together and falling apart. The tank was the only thing in working condition.

And they would only sell it all together

 

I've heard Malaysian trumpet snails are a good choice for in the tank because they hide really well and are nocturnal. I have no experience but that's what we're going to try. I'm just waiting on the population to grow a bit more before adding the DPs.

 

Bladder snails. I suggest having a separate tank to breed the snails in, or else the puffer will just eat and eat until the snails are all gone and won't have snails to eat.

I have done this myself. A large vase or 1 gallon tank works well to keep the snails in. Then take a few out to feed the puffers. They will gorge themselves and that's not good for them. Yes I've owned and cared for both puffers and snails.