Snails

[HJ99]

I have a mix of snails due today from Reefcleaners. 34 going into a 180 that is starting a bit of the ugly stage. They give instructions for acclimation which is float the bag and put them in without the water. Question is should I do anything else like a rinse ?

 

[DDenny]

I didn't rinse them. What I did was float for 20-30 minutes in bag then I put them in a deep bowl and added a little bit of water every 5 minutes or so for another 15 minutes. dipped them out with a net and placed them on the sand. I had my trochus snails DOA as well as 1 hermit. Don't be shocked they won't have much water in the bag and a wet paper towel is all.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

snails are very delicate, acclimate them slowly. And be aware that some snails can't walk on sand (I didn't know that and found out that hard way), certain snails need to be placed on the rocks or on the glass or they will die on the sand.

 

[HJ99]

Thanks. I just opened the box. What I got is 10 Nassarius, 10 Florida Cerith, 10 Dwarf Cerith and 4 Mexican Turbos. From what I have read the Turbos are the only ones that probably need placed. This is well below what they would recommend for a 180 but I didn't want too many and have them starve. I can always add more later. Well, guess I'll go see what I got.

 

[FBAA]

snails are very delicate, acclimate them slowly. And be aware that some snails can't walk on sand (I didn't know that and found out that hard way), certain snails need to be placed on the rocks or on the glass or they will die on the sand.

I did not know that. Thanks

 

[FBAA]

Keep an eye on the turbos, they like to flip themselves over and can't get upright. Lost a few that way when I can't check the tank daily.

 

[HJ99]

Keep an eye on the turbos, they like to flip themselves over and can't get upright. Lost a few that way when I can't check the tank daily.

Can they navigate on the sand ? It's the aragonite that's not too fine and not too coarse.

 

[elorablue]

I have 3 Mexican turbos and they can get around on the sand, but they'll take to the glass or rock as soon as possible to avoid it.
My sand is Fiji Pink, so pretty fine stuff

 

[FBAA]

Can they navigate on the sand ? It's the aragonite that's not too fine and not too coarse.

They don't seem to have a problem with sand.

 

[CoralB]

Drip acclimation for about a hour , but even though you can’t dip them I still take a designated toothbrush to their shell and inspect carefully in a separate container. Then place them throughout the tank shell side up

 

[HJ99]

Just to update this since it's been over a week since added. I floated the bags as directed to acclimate the temp. Then I got a bowl with tank water in and sort of did a dip in that to rinse off any debris. They all seem to be doing great except one of the turbos appears to have been DOA. It never moved and it's door was slightly open. After a day I took it out and the smell indicated it was definitely dead. I didn't bother contacting for 3 bucks and I know I got a lot more of the dwarfs than I bought or maybe just babies. I've already noticed an improvement in the brown algae. I'll probably get more but the tank is only 7 weeks in and I want to be sure there is enough for them to scavenge. Thanks for the replies !!

 

[DDenny]

you can feed them algae wafers or add food to the tank for them to keep them alive.

 

[HJ99]

I do put in the wafers now and then. I thought the lawnmower and foxface would like them but they don't seem that interested. After a day though , they disappear so maybe the snails get them.

 

[tucbud]

snails are very delicate, acclimate them slowly. And be aware that some snails can't walk on sand (I didn't know that and found out that hard way), certain snails need to be placed on the rocks or on the glass or they will die on the sand.

Great info, didn't know this about snails.

 

[X-37B]

I float them for 1/2 hour while
checking SG/alk and adjust by adding tank water.
Then in they go.