Regarding nerite snails

jemanser

jemanser

AC Members
Nov 22, 2005
165
0
16
67
ohio
I posted earlier about white caps on some of my nerite snail's shell and was worried about shell demineralization. Often these snails are prized in planted aquariums because of their algae eating potential and for their own unique beauty. These same aquariums/with plants , from what I have read, do not always provide ideal living conditions for the nerites since many add supplemental CO2 driving thr pH down into the acidic ranges. Specifically they do better in less acidic water(> 7pH) with GH over 10 and KH over 4 (they like harder water). I am new with these snail, so does anyone do anything specifcally for their nerites beyond letting them feed on algae /algae wafers? I have heard puttling cuttlebone in the tanK, add limestone or crush coral to increase KH....any thoughts? I realy like my tank parmeters where they are at presently, considering the plants and fish I have. My tank is at:pH 6.8-7 kH 3.5-4.0 GH 8.5-10. Anyones past experience with this would be appreciated...I want to maximize their lifespan in captivity....how long will they live in a aquarium? thanks
 
Hello. Ive noticed the white spot on a Zebra I recently purchased and on the bigger of two Tiger Nerites I have. Its a little dot on the "peak" of the shell? I cant answer about that but can say that ive added cuttlebone to a small aquarium I have two mystery snails in and they seem to really like it. In fact when I brought them home one just sat on the bottom and one moved very little. As soon as I introduced the cuttlebone it was like the alarm clock went off. The one sitting became active and the other went to the cuttlebone. Ive read where they dont eat it but im not so sure.It appeared he was eating it. I have not put one in my planted tank as I have a Betta and two Cories in it as well as the three Nerites and dont really want to alter my water chemistry as everything seems to be doing well. But if you think it will not bother any fish you have then I see no reason for you not to add a piece of cuttlebone.

Edit. Also, my Nerites seem to like spinach and I understand they get calcium from that also. Its the one thing I can feed them that my cories and betta do not eat :)
 
Last edited:
Thanks... is it fresh spinach you feed them and do you just drop it in or anchor the leaves...and yes green leafy vegetables have good Ca content. I will try it!
 
I give them canned spinach and it sinks. Some say to soak it a bit in cold water do to salt content but no more than I drop in the salt if any is negligible. Ive fed canned spinach to all kinds of snails with no adverse effects. Its the only thing ive found that the Nerites have time to get to before the cories and betta eat it all. :) If your concerned about using canned I think blanching fresh spinach not only will soften it up for the snails but will help somewhat to keep it from floating. Im thinking zucchini is high in calcium as well and some feed cucumbers but I think the Nerites may be a little more picky than mystery snails. Ive just recently gotten my Nerites so others may know more but this is what ive discovered about them so far.
 
Most nerites won't readily eat vegetables and teh vegetables are more for new shell growth rather than preventing erosion. The only way to prevent erosion is to keep them in harder water. That beign said, nerites have such thick corneous shells the erosion rarely causes them problems and is mainly an aesthetic concern.
 
I have recently tried zucchini and find my Nerites like that as well. I put a slice in a little water and microwave it for a minute or so, cool it off and cut it in half.
 
that still won't help with shell erosion but it good to hear, :)


The only way to prevent erosion is to keep them in water that is hard enough to prevent it.
 
Yeah, im just glad im finding things they will eat that the cories and bettas dont like. Ive tried algae wafers and peas too but the betta and cories eat it before the snails have a chance to get to it.
 
Is there enough algae in the tank for them to eat, if not then you might want to keep the lights on a bit longer and that will encourage the algae to grow. Most seem to have this slight erosion at the tip of their shell. Sometimes they lay eggs on each other too which looks like a sesame seed.
They are fun little guys that really help with diatom. I have a couple that are 2 years old and still going strong.
 
I have my Nerites in a ten gallon with two cories and a betta. I have several "easy'' plants that are doing well. I leave the light on 12 hours a day and use Flora Pride liquid fertilizer. I dont see algae much and im thinking the plants and lower lighting might be keeping it down. I dont mind feeding the Nerites and find them to be a lot of fun also and am glad to be finding something they like to eat that the fish dont :). I was told at a pet store that they have only been getting Nerites for about a year. I wish I had known about or could have found them before as diatoms have been a problem ive had in the past. Things have changed a little in the 5 years or so ive been away from the hobby. I miss the Columbian Ramshorns I used to get but the Nerites more than make up for them. I like all snails myself and have a couple of gold mystery snails in another aquarium as well and hope to get some of the little Ramshorns soon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom