Bunch of Snails Co-Habitating with Plants

Riso-chan

Riso-chan

The Blue Girl
Jan 17, 2005
322
0
0
41
Florida, USA
I have recently had a large amount of ramshorns populate my planted tank. I've also noticed a few pond snails, and just last night I saw a malaysian trumpet snail gliding on the gravel. Not any serious damage yet, just a few tiny holes, and those are weeks old. The snalis have all helped out with algea cleanup, as well as 'grooming' the plants. I had a few questions about these guys.

Will the MTS reproduce?

I also noticed I have a red bodied form of the ramshorn snail which I've read is rare. Their shells are also unique; They are dark gold-brown with a short reddish streak down the top. Is this uncommon?

All the snails appear to be under an inch in length, but should I still be cautious?
 
The snails listed do eat or harm healthy plants, so should not be an issue. Large numbers of snails however do indicate overfeeding. You might want to check your nitrate levels.

MTS are pathenogenic females. Yes, they will definitely reproduce.
 
I have Red ramshorns and they are really nice to have. They will groom the plants and clean any algae. The MTS will reproduce but those are also decent snails for planted tanks as they will dig into the substrate and aerate it for your. The Pond Snails however will start to eat off your plants. Keep an eye on them, a few probably won't be a problem but I would keep them to a minimum by manually taking excess pond snails out. Hopefully the other 2 types you have will out-compete them.

Curtis
 
How heavily planted is your tank? It's possible you're just not seeing it. Or do you suppliment their eating at all. I know some people will drop a slice of zuccini, etc in there for them.

I love my snails, but I have seen small holes, etc that they have eaten. I know it's them as the holes, rips are small enough that only those snails could have done it. I've also spoken with others who have the same experience with the common pond snails.

Just something to be aware of. For me, as long as they don't cause too much damage and I can regulate them, I love having them in there.

Curtis
 
I'm with RTR on this, I have large pond snails in underfed tanks, and they do no damage to plants.
As far as the pin holes, try increasing your K dosing and see if the problem goes away. also would this be annubias plants by any chance? The reason I ask is that they seem to be the most reactive to K and Fe shortages, and they are chronic with pinholes (IME) when these two nutrients aren't dosed

The reputation of pond snails being plant eaters is undeserved, they will eat any dying or dead vegetation, so if the plant leaf has an issue, the pond snails will clean up the waste. In most cases people would rather blame the snails than look for the true issue at hand.


http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50705

dave
 
Well that is a relief. I swear I posted that exact question about common pond snails a couple weeks back and about 4 people told me they do eat plants. I have notice leaves floating at the top of my tank and just attributed to them. But you're right it could be an issue of them just cleaning dying leaves and such as my plants did not have near the proper lighting until this weekend when I was able to upgrade to 55w for my 20 gall. That's good info, I guess I learned something too.

As far as the macro/micronutrients I do have a liquid fert I use and what not. But those questions are for another topic when I have all my info.

Thanks for clarifying guys,
Curtis
 
Thanx everybody. :) I saw the pinholes in the crypts I have, but only on a few plants. BTW, I would say my tank is moderately planted as there is still blank space in a few areas. I am dosing with Flourish right now and will be getting Excel and Pottasium to also aid in plant growth.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom