55 Gallon Tank What snails would suffice?!

Aqua Zoo has fantastic stock if you've never visited! It's a ways away from you, but I've literally never seen them with a sick fish. It's a small business owned by a couple, and they are so nice. They have a huge variety and do almost entirely FW. They stock oddballs and nano species (African filter shrimp, the smallest tetras/rasboras imaginable, I saw Altums and mudskippers once, lots of endlers, so many colors of neocaridina). If you wanted anything special, I'm almost certain they could acquire it somehow.

Back on topic, mystery snails are my favorite despite them not eating much algae. They will literally crawl onto my hand if given the chance.

 

Aqua Zoo has fantastic stock if you've never visited! It's a ways away from you, but I've literally never seen them with a sick fish. It's a small business owned by a couple, and they are so nice. They have a huge variety and do almost entirely FW. They stock oddballs and nano species (African filter shrimp, the smallest tetras/rasboras imaginable, I saw Altums and mudskippers once, lots of endlers, so many colors of neocaridina). If you wanted anything special, I'm almost certain they could acquire it somehow.

Back on topic, mystery snails are my favorite despite them not eating much algae. They will literally crawl onto my hand if given the chance.

Never heard of aqua zoo but I will visit soon!

If you want a snail for algae eating, I would go with either amano shrimp or nerite snails.

 

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions guys! It's given me a lot to chew on! I think I'm leaning toward the nerite snails. I think they are around 75 cents to $1 at my LFS, but I'm not certain. I have a 29 gallon tank with 4 honey gouramis, 4 fake julI corydoras, 5 neon tetras, and 1 male guppy. How many snails could I get? I do not have hardly any algae problem between my plants, corys, and my weekly cleaning. What would the snails eat?

 

Nerites are my favorite. At the time, I had a desperate algae problem. I went to Petsmart and asked for all the nerites in the store- disappointingly, there were only three. These snails are escape artists- the one with three stripes once crawled 3 feet down a table leg and onto carpet before I caught him. Then, I switched him to a different tank. He crawled 4 feet down from the tank top to the floor and another foot onto tile. There's been no more escapes after snail-proofing the tank. Anything wider than an inch needs to be covered.
Nerites don't seem to like anything but algae. If you don't have any algae, what about apple snails? They're similar to mystery snails, and not as picky as nerites. They accept vegetables.

 

Nerites are my favorite. At the time, I had a desperate algae problem. I went to Petsmart and asked for all the nerites in the store- disappointingly, there were only three. These snails are escape artists- the one with three stripes once crawled 3 feet down a table leg and onto carpet before I caught him. Then, I switched him to a different tank. He crawled 4 feet down from the tank top to the floor and another foot onto tile. There's been no more escapes after snail-proofing the tank. Anything wider than an inch needs to be covered.
Nerites don't seem to like anything but algae. If you don't have any algae, what about apple snails? They're similar to mystery snails, and not as picky as nerites. They accept vegetables.

I DO NOT want any snails escaping from my tank! Do apple snails escape? They get really big don't they?

 

I DO NOT want any snails escaping from my tank! Do apple snails escape? They get really big don't they?

Both nerites and apple snails are known for doing this. Ramshorns won't crawl out and come in lots of colors, like pink and blue. The pet store variety of apple snails, the spike topped apple snail or mystery snail, doesn't get huge like the invasive channeled apple snails. My profile is a picture of me holding a channeled apple snail's shell, and mysteries only get about an inch and a half in diameter.

 

Umm, if you are looking for snails for entertainment, is it because winter's here and the growing grass isn't providing its usual show?
I'm a resident snail hater. They poop like little shelled cows. Nerites lay eggs all over the glass, and scraping them off isn't easy. Sometimes they get together and scavenge a carcass. Surfing? Never seen 'em do that. Dancing? Nope.

When it comes to snails as pets, Sponge Bob has a lot to answer for.

 

Both nerites and apple snails are known for doing this. Ramshorns won't crawl out and come in lots of colors, like pink and blue. The pet store variety of apple snails, the spike topped apple snail or mystery snail, doesn't get huge like the invasive channeled apple snails. My profile is a picture of me holding a channeled apple snail's shell, and mysteries only get about an inch and a half in diameter.

Ok, so nerites and apple snails will try and escape the tank, but ramshorns won't. Now, I'm thinking I'll get some ramshorns. How big do they get, and how many can I get? I will obviously do some more of my own research before I buy anything.

 

Ramshorns breed frequently, but as long as you don't overfeed, it shouldn't be a problem. They get about the size of a penny for me, sometimes a bit larger. Ebay and online fish groups (like Facebook and such) often sell the stranger morphs. You should be able to start with 2, but 5-10 is a better number IME.

 

Ok, so nerites and apple snails will try and escape the tank, but ramshorns won't. Now, I'm thinking I'll get some ramshorns. How big do they get, and how many can I get? I will obviously do some more of my own research before I buy anything.

In all the time I've had nerites, none have escaped. Now that I said that, they probably will try. It depends on how well covered your tank is. Also, as said, they do poop alot, surprisingly. I have 3 in my 20 gallon. I have read that 1 snail per every 5 gallons is a guideline. I tend to stock conservatively.

 

Ok. I will look into getting either a nerite or a ramshorn. I'll do some more online researching and looking at my lfs. Thanks for all your help!!!

 

Ok. I will look into getting either a nerite or a ramshorn. I'll do some more online researching and looking at my lfs. Thanks for all your help!!!

You are welcome. If I am not mistaken, ramshorns may be considered to be pest snails by some, as they can breed profusely.

 

You are welcome. If I am not mistaken, ramshorns may be considered to be pest snails by some, as they can breed profusely.

Thanks for pointing that out. I'll keep that in mind. There's also still this tiny problem of my mom freaking out that a snail will escape the tank. I'll do some research and try to convince her!!! Wish me luck...!

 

If your tank is well covered, I think you should be ok.

 

HI everyone,
I have a desire to get a snail of some kind. I have heard from this forum, and other sources online that snails make a wonderful addition to an aquarium. I've heard funny stories ranging from snails surfing on filter waves; crawling up a heater and when it turns on and gets too hot they jump off and fall all the way back to the bottom of the tank. I am in need of some entertainment like that! My question is what snail should I get? Mystery snail? Golden Apple snail? Nerite Snail?

What snails do you have? What funny story do you have about your snail?

I found one of my very large apple snails on my nightstand when I got up one morning

 

I found one of my very large apple snails on my nightstand when I got up one morning

Really??? That's creepy! Did he live? Is he ok? Is the tank he came from on your nightstand, or is it elsewhere in the room and crawled all the way over? I don't think I'll get an apple snail!!!

 

I almost didn't get a nerite snail for my Betta tank because I wouldn't do well if one got out. I have two holes on the back of my lid for the cords of the heater, light, and filter. I put a flap of tape over each and Zeus is yet to escape. Don't worry too much, have a secure lid and cover holes and I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

I almost didn't get a nerite snail for my Betta tank because I wouldn't do well if one got out. I have two holes on the back of my lid for the cords of the heater, light, and filter. I put a flap of tape over each and Zeus is yet to escape. Don't worry too much, have a secure lid and cover holes and I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Ok thank you! I'll definitely have to cover up some holes on my tank lid before I get a snail!

 

I used very inexpensive craft plastic from the sewing/embroidery section of my local craft store to cover the hole for my filter so snails can't escape. It cost me less that $1 and I cut it to fit. You can get all sorts of colors, I chose black to match.

 

Hello! I’m saving up for a ten gallon Betta tank right now, and I was thinking about adding shrimp to it (My Betta is a really peaceful guy.) But I know they need perfect water conditions.... and they are a bit pricey sometimes.... and I just think snails would be a better option for me. What type of snail would I get? I kinda want a big, faster-ish snail. But what would I feed them, when would I feed them, and how would I feed them? I did have a snail, but I managed to kill it >.> But, that was before I got my Betta, I got my Betta later that week, and I’m almost positive the snail died from ammonia poisoning because my tank wasn’t cycled. I’m thinking I’m ready to attempt another snail now. (My tank is cycled) Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

For a bigger/faster snail, mystery snails (also known as apple snails) are pretty cool! They are very interesting to watch, and come in many colors. To feed them, you can put algae wafers or dark green veggies like cucumber in the tank, as they cannot sustain themselves on only algae. One note of caution: mystery snails can get themselves hurt on the intake of a HOB filter, so you should add a prefilter on the intake if you have an HOB. They are also renowned escape artists, so keep the tank well covered. Hope this helps!

 

Alex is right about the intake filter. Seriosly they are suicidal.

An ivory mystery snail and 3 Bumble nerite snails would be sweet

The nerites will clean algae and the mysterys are rocket powered. zooming around with antenna flowing in the current

 

Yup! Nerites would go great! I didn't mention them because they are smaller, but a few nerites and a mystery would keep the tank sparkling. Nerites love my algae

 

Hello! I’m saving up for a ten gallon Betta tank right now, and I was thinking about adding shrimp to it (My Betta is a really peaceful guy.) But I know they need perfect water conditions.... and they are a bit pricey sometimes.... and I just think snails would be a better option for me. What type of snail would I get? I kinda want a big, faster-ish snail. But what would I feed them, when would I feed them, and how would I feed them? I did have a snail, but I managed to kill it >.> But, that was before I got my Betta, I got my Betta later that week, and I’m almost positive the snail died from ammonia poisoning because my tank wasn’t cycled. I’m thinking I’m ready to attempt another snail now. (My tank is cycled) Any suggestions are appreciated!

I second the nerite nail recommendation. Mystery snails move around with a lot of their body exposed. I think nerites would be harder to pick at. And I think they look cooler

 

Nerites also do not reproduce in fresh water. Mystery snails can reproduce explosively, and you don't need two to make hundreds of baby snails...

 

Mystery snails have a lot of personality, and they can only reproduce if you happen to have both a male and female. Even then, they lay the eggs above the water line so they're very easy to remove

 

Mystery snails have a lot of personality, and they can only reproduce if you happen to have both a male and female. Even then, they lay the eggs above the water line so they're very easy to remove

That is correct. Just hope you don't get a pregnant one...

 

That is correct. Just hope you don't get a pregnant one...

Lol I think that can be said for just about everything... guppies, mollies, platies
Golden rule when buying (unless you're buying to breed) just hope it's not pregnant, or you're buying a couple hundred

 

Hello! I’m saving up for a ten gallon Betta tank right now, and I was thinking about adding shrimp to it (My Betta is a really peaceful guy.) But I know they need perfect water conditions.... and they are a bit pricey sometimes.... and I just think snails would be a better option for me. What type of snail would I get? I kinda want a big, faster-ish snail. But what would I feed them, when would I feed them, and how would I feed them? I did have a snail, but I managed to kill it >.> But, that was before I got my Betta, I got my Betta later that week, and I’m almost positive the snail died from ammonia poisoning because my tank wasn’t cycled. I’m thinking I’m ready to attempt another snail now. (My tank is cycled) Any suggestions are appreciated!

All they eat is algae. Glide your finger up the tank wall, is it slimy? If so, you have algae!

 

Mystery snails do need their own diet, they aren't really built to survive on algae. That would be my suggestion based on what you said you wanted. Only concern would be to keep an eye on the betta in case he starts getting feisty.

 

Also, I’m planning on the tanks substrate to be sand. Would the sand stick to the snails ‘foot’ and hurt him? Would if affect how he moves around? That’s the one thing I’m concerned about. Also will the nerites hurt my plants? I’m planning on keeping Java Fern and Anubias in there. I reallyyyyy don’t want a bunch of holes in my plants. I might go with an ivory mystery snail and maybe a Nerite or two.... I like the look of the ivory mystery snails And I like the black nerite snails, they seem pretty cute!

 

Sand won't be a problem! they might leave snail trails for the first while on the sand until it becomes a part of the cycled tank

 

Sand isn’t a problem. Nerites will “clean” the plants but not hurt them unless there starving or the leaf is already dead. Betta are honestly a horrible match with mystery snails. 5/6 male bettas Ive had could not live with mysteries. They tourtured them and ate their antenna. It was horrible. Nerites are less exposed and their antennas are small and they don’t wave around as much as mystery snails. Mystery snail antennas waving around look like a delicious juicy worm to bettas. Add the that the aggression of a male betta. Not a great match. As said above they need their own diet and can’t live off algae. They need to be fed an omnivorous water at least every other day.

 

I will always recommend mystery snails, they tend to be better than Nerites if you're looking for a cleanup crew, and personally I'm not one to scrub snail gunk off the tank that much like you do with Nerites. I don't mean to trash talk them though, they still clean well and look nice.

Sand isn’t a problem. Nerites will “clean” the plants but not hurt them unless there starving or the leaf is already dead. Betta are honestly a horrible match with mystery snails. 5/6 male bettas Ive had could not live with mysteries. They tourtured them and ate their antenna. It was horrible. Nerites are less exposed and their antennas are small and they don’t wave around as much as mystery snails. Mystery snail antennas waving around look like a delicious juicy worm to bettas. Add the that the aggression of a male betta. Not a great match. As said above they need their own diet and can’t live off algae. They need to be fed an omnivorous water at least every other day.

Really? I always have mystery snails with my betta and he doesn't came about them.

All they eat is algae. Glide your finger up the tank wall, is it slimy? If so, you have algae!

They both eat algae but Nerites tend to only eat algae.

 

Really? I always have mystery snails with my betta and he doesn't came about them.

Yeah 5/7 Male bettas I’ve had have eaten antennas for breakfast. Just tested my new betta and this is the result. Luckily I’ve got a ton of tanks

i

 

Gold Inca Snails are really good.

 

Inca snails is what petco made up to name their mystery snails. They’re pomacea diffusa or mystery snails. They just literally made up the Inca name out of nowhere.

 

Hey everyone

I recently had one of my nerite snails die and was trying to decide if I want to get another one (there is still 1 in the tank) or if I should switch it up and get a different kind. I have been reading through a lot of posts and was wondering what your favorite snail is and why? I have only had nerites.

Thanks!

 

Hey everyone

I recently had one of my nerite snails die and was trying to decide if I want to get another one (there is still 1 in the tank) or if I should switch it up and get a different kind. I have been reading through a lot of posts and was wondering what your favorite snail is and why? I have only had nerites.

Thanks!

maybe ramshorn if you like em?? I personally do
do you know why the snail died or was it just old

 

Nerite’s are my favorite as they are cleaning machines! They also don’t produce in freshwater.