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how do you keep snails alive?

Posted: 07 Jan 2006, 17:07
by Silent Doh
Hi, I'm the proud owner of 2 aquariums, a 10 gallon and a 20 gallon. The only problem is, I want snails. The type of snails I have access to are Ramshorn snails. I had a few but they died within a month! How do I keep these little buggers alive?
My water parameters are as follows:
Ph - 6.8 to 7.0
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 10
Aeration - 10 gallon: Whisper 10, 20 Gallon: Whisper 40
Tank Mates: 10 Gallon: Guppies
20 gallon: R. R. minnows, neon tetras, balloon mollies, zebra danios, cory cats, and a white spot rubbernose pleco.

Posted: 07 Jan 2006, 19:40
by Marc van Arc
Ask the (female) person you mention in your other post; apparently she knows.

Water changes

Posted: 07 Jan 2006, 21:14
by Silent Doh
Apparently, my (female) informer :lol: apparently does not do as many water changes as reccomended by most, as she has a large aquarium. Maybe I have been doing too many water changes? I'll try to find other possible reasons why.

Posted: 07 Jan 2006, 21:43
by Silurus
Make sure there is enough carbonate in the water for the snails to grow healthy shells.

Snails

Posted: 07 Jan 2006, 22:44
by B-2
Silent Doh, I think Marc van Arc meant Mrs. Arami (Erami, Orami, :lol: I don't know how to spell it). But yes, I have hundreds of snails and they do just fine. I changed 50% of my water today in both my tanks (after not changing any for a month :oops: ). I have a feeling it was your 10 gallon that had a problem. Maybe snails will do better in your 20 gallon. I'll give you some tomorrow (hopefully).

Posted: 08 Jan 2006, 03:41
by Iris
Ramshorns need a pH of about 7.5, to keep their shells in good shape. (Shell errotion!)
Waterchanges about once a week should be fine.
What is your tanks temperature?? Ramshorns, just like any other applesnail, like it warm. Some people have them at only 70, some at about 78 Fahrenheit.
How big are your Ramshorns? Full grown, than they might just die of old age.

I don't have Ramshorns, but you might wanna try applesnail.net these people certainly now more about Ramshorns than i do! :D

Iris

Posted: 08 Jan 2006, 12:05
by Kana3
Do you use CO2 in soft water? Snails really love that combination! (not)

Posted: 08 Jan 2006, 18:18
by Silent Doh
Actually, no. I do not use a C02 hookup in my tank, (I'm just a beginner). I do know that my water is quite soft. The temperature is at 75 - 78, but sometimes up to 80 if my :x heater decides that it is too cold. (last time I buy an All-Glass Aquarium heater :x )

cold water

Posted: 09 Jan 2006, 03:04
by B-2
Since I don't know where my snails came from, I can't be sure, but I think they are coldwater snails. They do great in my coldwater goldfish tank. I have seen similar ramshorn snails in local lakes and ponds. I had a 1 1/2 inch ramshorn a year ago that I found in a pond. I had it in my aquarium for a while until my pleco ate it. :( My snails could be it's offspring. All my snails are 1 inch or less. It could be Silent Doh's snails died from the heat.