View Full Version : Turbo Snails Die Quick
widdledink
09-25-2003, 11:24 AM
Greetings All,
I got a big problem! Every time I try to replace my snail population they die in just a week or two. The Snails when first placed into the tank are fine. Then as time goes on they stop moving (foot down) and die. Then my hermits get a good feast. I have a 75G, My Water Quality is good minus an extreme amount of Nitrates in the H20. I am trying to remove them with Kent's Nitrate Sponge. (Its been in there for only 3 days) There is only one fish in the tank and it is my beloved Porqupine Fish "O-Mac" who is well fed. The Snails when first placed into the tank are fine. Then as time goes on they stop moving (foot down) and die. Then my hermits get a good feast.
Please HELP! I am tired of wasting $$ on snails that die.
BrianH
09-25-2003, 11:31 AM
I would also perform frequent(at least weekly) water changes(10% - 25%) using RO/DI water in addition to your nitrate sponge to reduce the nitrates. This is probably the reason for your snail deaths. Have you ever kept snails in this tank? I ask because usually they are a snack for puffers.
Brian
widdledink
09-25-2003, 11:39 AM
Yes, I have had snails in the tank before. My puffer seems to not be all that interested in them. He likes to play with my hermits and Green Emeralds (He did kill one about two weeks ago) but for the most part they are his entertainment.
I just began using RO/DI water in my tank as water replacement but not for water changes.
mogurnda
09-25-2003, 11:45 AM
It may be the nitrate, or maybe not. It may also be hard to get the NO3 down with a messy eater like a puffer. Another idea may be to try other species, like astreas or trochus. Not a big population, just a few for experimenting. Although I haven't tried them for years, I never had much luck with turbos, but have astreas that are several years old. Just a thought.
kreblak
09-25-2003, 12:17 PM
Are you acclimating the snails properly? If your tank has nigh nitrates, per your other post, then the snails could simply not be adjusting to the new environment. I would do like Dave suggested and try out some different snail species. My astrea snails have lived far longer than my turbos did. Typically, my turbos crapped out after a month or two.
a_free_bird73
09-25-2003, 6:52 PM
If you have such high nitrates in your tap water, have you tested it for Ammonia and copper!! Both of these are deadly to snails...
Triggerman
09-25-2003, 11:21 PM
How has your temp been running lately?It can effect the health of many species of snails.Nitrates are certainly another factor in snail demise.
What were the results of your last nitrate test? Assuming you are using tap water for mixing up new salt water, how does that water test out? Also, as kreblak mentioned, how are you acclimating the snails?
widdledink
09-26-2003, 9:58 AM
Well lets see here...
I have not tested for copper as of yet, but that is a good idea. As far as amomina, it is very low according to my test kit. I acclumate all of my live stock the same way... dumping a cup of my tank water in the transfer bag for over an hour. This acclumation process has been very successful for me. Now as far as the Temp of my tank water...it is at a constant 76*.
I have never tested my tap water for any kind of harmful ellements before. Guess I need to do that tonight!
Thanks for the help everyone...Please keep the suggestions comming.
Widdledink