I want to grow snails for my loaches. Where, how can I get some?

[Mantis_22]

I have seen people have problems with snails and so they get a clown loach to rid of the problem. I have the reverse problem, I have 3 clow loaches and would love to give these guys a treat by adding healthy snails to the tank they are in. I have a lake which on the entrance flow of water from the spring there are tons of different kinds of snails. Same for the exit waterway, yet someone on here told me I shouldent let my loaches eat them? I clean the snails fully and even run them under tap water. Does anyone see a problem? If so how can I get some snails other than adding plants from walmart directly to my tank? lol

[Beth]

I'd give you a few MTS out of my tank if you were a bit closer!

I think if you ask at your lfs they might give you some for a very small price (as they are probably plentiful in their tanks) or even for free if you ask nicely.

[punch]

Theres also quite a few aquarium web sites that sell snails,
e-bay encluded.

[clayt101]

I agree, just ask at your LFS, they will probably give you all you want. They will probably let you catch them yourself.:)

[OrionGirl]

Agree--I go snail diving at the LFS weekly, in addition to those I 'grow' at home.

The reasons not to use 'wild' snails are many, but here are the big two, IMO. First, snails can import parasites. Most are host specific, so it's unlikely that the parasite would take hold in your tank, but why risk it. Second, toxins build up within the flesh and shell of the snails, based on what they eat. As the clown loaches eat the snails, they begin to accumulate these toxins. Heavy metals are the biggie, but there are a variety of pesticides that work the same way. The smaller critters, like snails, can tolerate the low levels of toxin, but as they become concentrated in predator level animals, it can be fatal.

[Tim Bo]

As Oriongirl says, take note of the surroundings of the snails. Any possible contaminants upstream should make you hesitant in feeding them too many snails.
If you have the possibility, set up a separate aquarium and start mass producing snails in it. This is what I do for puffers.

[TKOS]

All you need is a few starter snails, an empty ice cream container and some lettuce. Set it in the window and watch the magic. I have been breeding them for a couple weeks in anticipation of my new dwarf puffers which I should have in a couple of days.

[Mantis_22]

Ok, i think i'll make a little stop by the LFS. If I cant get any then i'll order a batch online, have them shipped then start a snail 2 gallon tank. What would I feed them? Vegetables? Fish food???? There will be no substrate. Just filter and a small heater with hood.

[TKOS]

Just some blanched lettuce or spinach is the perfect food. Plus it is an easy way to get a bunch of snails out of the tank rather than pluck then out 1 at a time. Just pull the lettuce leaf out and drop it in the big tank It will be covered in snails.

[Mantis_22]

ok cool :)