Adding snails to 5.5g planted tank?

NotGumbel

NotGumbel

The Dude
Nov 5, 2004
216
0
0
Elkins, WV USA
Currently I've got a male betta and 4 ghost shrimp (count of ghost shrimp subject to change, from what I understand! LOL) in my 5.5g planted tank.

I was considering getting 2-3 otos for controlling the minimal algae, but read about zebra snails and their algae consumption. They sound more hardy than the otos, and look fairly unique.

Would adding 1 or 2 zebra snails to the betta & shrimp be too much of a bioload? Seems like the plants would negate their addition, but I'd rather make sure first.

Thanks in advance,
Bryant
 
Personally I think it's hard to say for sure. Do you do lots of water changes? Small tanks are more sensitive to swings and frequent water changes are definitely good.

My guess would be that you could get one and be okay. I'm assuming you're talking about nerite snails. Is your tank covered? They are notorious for escaping tanks so that should be your first concern.
 
I have a very similar set up as you. I have a 5gal with a betta and several live plants. I also have 5 smallish trumpet snails. They do an amazing job of keeping things tidy. The glass looks great. I am not familiar with zebra snails, how big are they? My snails aren't all that big. I noticed very little change in the bioload/water when I added them. I have 5 in my tank. Hope this helps.
 
Captain Hook said:
Personally I think it's hard to say for sure. Do you do lots of water changes? Small tanks are more sensitive to swings and frequent water changes are definitely good.
Click to expand...

I do a weekly 15-20% at this point. Of course, if the load increases considerably and/or water tests indicate otherwise, I'll do more.

Captain Hook said:
My guess would be that you could get one and be okay. I'm assuming you're talking about nerite snails. Is your tank covered? They are notorious for escaping tanks so that should be your first concern.
Click to expand...

The tank is covered.
 
BcBerri said:
I have a very similar set up as you. I have a 5gal with a betta and several live plants. I also have 5 smallish trumpet snails. They do an amazing job of keeping things tidy. The glass looks great. I am not familiar with zebra snails, how big are they? My snails aren't all that big. I noticed very little change in the bioload/water when I added them. I have 5 in my tank. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Sure helps since your setup is similar :)

Zebra snails, I'm told, get to be an inch each.

Bryant
 
Follow up ... I found a hitch hiking snail on the side of the tank!

It's about the size of 2 BB's, and moves fairly quickly, even for a snail.

Now I notice some small white blobs here and there on the glass ... at first I thought they were water spots on the outside of the tank.

Think I got me some snail eggs up in here too? :help:

Bryant
 
Link to zebra snail info

Captain Hook said:
I'm assuming you're talking about nerite snails.
Click to expand...

Here is a link to what I saw as a zebra snail:

Zebra Snail - Asolene Spixi

Although I see that there are nerite snails called zebras, I understand that these are commonly called zebra apple snails.

Bryant
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom