Snails

[just4kicks]

Does everyone use snails in their systems? I have not had very good luck trying them. They all seem to die after a short time. My alk, ca, and mag are good according to Trident. Temp is between 77 and 78. NO3 and PO4 are a little high but my algae scrubber is starting to take off so those should be coming down soon.

 

[dbl]

I'm not sure "everyone" has snails in their system, but I would venture to guess the vast majority do. They can certainly be an effective part of your CUC. Assuming you're acclimating them properly and your parameters are consistent, my first question would be to ask what are your tank inhabitants? Could it be you are inadvertently buying an expensive snack for one or more particular fish you are keeping?

 

[Bret Brinkmann]

I have found nothing but discrepancy and controversy surrounding acclimating snails unfortunately.

Are things eating the snails when you find them?

 

[New&no clue]

How do you know they are dying? Do they disappear, do you see empty shells? I ask because my snails bury themselves in the sand and clean it. There have been times when I look in my tank and only see 10 snails, later I can look again and see 30. Also if you have hermit crabs they can kill snails to take their shells when they need something bigger. I bought some hermit crab shells on Amazon, cleaned them and I throw a couple in my tank so my hermits have a larger shell to move into when ready.