Question about marine snails...

[Lockdown]

Hi all,

Frist off, let me say that I'm without a doubt a newbie at the saltwater aquarium.

I've started a 55 gal saltwater tank. The tank was all about cycled, but since ordering my first batch of fish the Nitrate has gone up to about 20 (plan a water change in the AM). Anyway, that's not my question....

Today just put in the first live items (live rock and live sand has been in the tank for a few weeks), some small fish as well as a bunch of Trochus and Cerith snails. Almost immediatly most of the snails started making thier way to the surface. They had been shipped overnight and arrived probably 20 hours after being packed (maybe less, can't really tell). Is this behaviour normal, or is it a sign of something going on in my new tank?

The only fish hanging near the top is the Engineer Goby. The other 4 fish (all different types) are all acting pretty much as expected.

Thanks for any help!

 

[horner420]

all the snails i have spend alot of time at the top of the tank. they seem to like it up there. they do come down to graze on the live rock from time to time but they seem to fancy the top of the tank. snails are sensitive to alot of factors(salinity, ph, etc..). in my experience....if they are still alive then you probably should be fine. the nitrate should be brought down though, as most like to try for 5ppm-0ppm when keeping inverts. 0ppm being the goal. hope this helps a bit. i myself am still new(2 years in) to saltwater. good luck.

 

[Lockdown]

Thanks for the help
... all the fish, starfish, crabs, and SNAILS made it through the first night - looks like a good sign!