I use these as they allow the filter to function as intended and dont clog as easily as a sponge does. Keeps my shrimp and snails out of the filters.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P8Y4V4B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mJeIFb85SE8NQ
You can diy a lid from plastic canvas from craft stores, eg https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001H83B9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5mfhFb91PQG29 or other plastic meshes you can find at hardware stores (I have some for keeping out garden pests) .
This is what I use. I remembered when looking it up that vitamin D3 is not good for snails, so it's good to get one without it. I cannot remember why, though.
I occasionally toss one of these in my tank as a calcium supplement for my snails. It will give them dietary calcium for the shell, and whatever they don't eat will still be beneficial to them when it dissolves into the water after a few days. I've heard you can also use unflavored Tums. Long term i imagine you'll gradually want to raise the pH above 7 and then maintain it there.
These are soap free. They're basically just plastic in a convenient shape. Gravel vacs work on physics, not motors. If I'm right, you probably have the model shown in this video. If that's the case, the video does an amazing job of showing you how to get it started and get things clean, better than I'm doing in text.
i bought this on amazon, and its helped a lot with getting the water out without having to lift the fragile glass to the sink. also make sure you clean the back of the tank because it gets NASTY back there
i had 3 assassins, but took them out after seeing them take down a cherry shrimp in the process of molting. they they got the big ones but kinda stopped hunting because they couldn't get the really small ones....
swapped them out at LFS for a mystery snail and picked this thing up:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RBNPEIW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
saw some one shilling it pretty hard a couple weeks ago, but figured i try it after pulling the assassins. already removed about 20 snails on the glass in last 30 minutes. seems to work great, but only if they're on the glass.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3GRHQ4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
i had these and i just detached the bottom part and used that
Wasn't until I went to Aquashella that I was able to get my hands on a magenta mystery. LFS SAID they had some, but they were all purples. -_- So I feel your pain. I did have a good experience with an order of ramshorn from Amazon though. Aqua Huna also sells various colors, but they seem to always be out of stock. That's where I got my fish from and was very pleased with how they were shipped.
break a cuttlebone in half, give a half at a time. or could get a wondershell. less messy, lasts longer, dechlorinates, and supposedly makes tanks cleaner. all i care about is that my snails enjoy it, it’s pretty cheap, and lasts a month or so. could also feed your snails blanched veg more often. algae wafers are a big favorite of mine, but they don’t have that much added calcium.
It’s a little pot with some fluval stratum in it! The plant kept floating out cuz the stratum is too light so I gave up trying to keep it in lol need a replacement. Got it off Amazon capetsma 4X Crystal Glass... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D3GJ661?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I’m sorry, I’m an idiot. They’re wonder shells not miracle shells. Amazon link. Just make sure you pay attention to the size.
You could also use something like APIs liquid calcium but that requires buying a calcium testing kit. API makes a test for it. That’s actually what I did but I tend to be a little extra lol. There is merit to choosing that if your hardness is high enough and you just think you’re missing calcium though.
Just the tetra whisper air pump and this air stone from Amazon! Air Stone
I've dropped Wonder Shell into the water (link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07BMSGZ2B ) As far as I know, it dissolves in the water and they take it from there. I've maybe seen one of my snails eating on it.
Also, don't let the internet brigade make you beat yourself up over this. You're trying to do what's best by your pets by asking. You could let the water level go down, you could try to get some sort of seal around your filter and anywhere that your lid doesn't cover. Lots of options to consider, just do what works best for your situation.
My guppies will pick at them, but I think it depends on the fish. These are the wafers I buy. They're mostly vegetable based and pretty high in calcium.
You can pick up a API calcium test
It's very helpful for seeing what your levels are in your water column.
What I do that might help is take egg shells and boil them. Then I peel them Membrane off the inside of the shell. After that I grind the shells into a powder a table spoon per 50 gallons every week or so. Goodluck
The chip will heal on its own-I wouldn’t attempt to repair it in any way. Looks like he needs more calcium in his diet. Try adding cuttlebone and feeding foods high in calcium (like Crab Cuisine). Also be sure to feed fresh veggies high in protein, algae wafers, and/or snello. They can’t live off tank algae alone.
You could also try adding Wonder Shell to the tank ((6 Pack) Weco Wonder Shell Natural Minerals, Large, for a Total of 6 Large Shells https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WXG7LFW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9XK7NP4RQGTJZRY1C9PG)
Yes, betta’s and mysteries can live together. Just try to get the pH as high as possible without harming the betta. I’ve added Wondershell (Weco Wonder Shell Natural Minerals (3 Pack), Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003C5PUCS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3BB810C312FXR6ZAD7Y1) to my betta’s tank and he is fine and it’s really good for their shells.
Crab Cuisine is great, but you should also have a piece of cuttlebone (bird section in pet store) for him to eat. Just drop it in the tank and it’ll float there, you might not see him eat it but the calcium will still get into the water. I also feed mine fresh veggies like broccoli, zucchini, cucumber, etc. Canned unsalted green beans are their favorite!
You can also try “snello.” Many people make their own, or there is one by Repashy (Repashy Soilent Green 6 Oz JAR https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J17NKTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_35C3D662C1BVBM6BP5XQ) or algae wafers.
I give fresh veggies once or twice a week, and on the other days I feed them algae wafers/snello & crab cuisine, to make sure they get enough protein and calcium.
Also, the algae on his shell won’t effect him at all so you can let it go or just try to gently scrub off as much as you can with a soft toothbrush.
Thank you. I was going to get a couple bags of these Fluval rocks to scatter around and stack to start with: https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Polished-Ivory-Aquarium-1-5-Pound/dp/B00B5FU3CE/ref=sr_1_1?crid=V32IUD1PEN2B&keywords=fluval+rocks&qid=1649062111&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=fluval+roc%2Cpets%2C95&sr=1-1 Then see what else I can do.
What kind of gravel accidents? Pebbles caught in the shell? Snails eating them? It'll probably be fine, but I'm curious. Say, would the tank having a bare bottom be too crazy? I like the idea but hesitate for lack of more surface for beneficial bacteria and other concerns.
Thanks for your reply.
No, never put snails into an uncycled tank, they will die. It happened to me my first time! You can get the “filter starter” bacteria things and that’s what I would do. I know Tetra has one.
Tetra SafeStart Plus to Cycle New Aquariums https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DZG1BW/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_4MY5Y9BV5NTY4Z186ZFN
I’ve used this along with de-chlorinator and put them in after only 2 hours
I use this siphon most of the time. It has a sort of mesh cover at the end to prevent sucking up little critters. However, I also put a piece of panty hose over the end when cleaning my shrimp tank to make sure no shrimplets are caught -- the holes in the plastic cap are small but a shrimplet could definitely fit through.
Mostly, I think you just have to be careful. Aquarium Co-op has a video on how to clean tanks, including kinking the hose to make sure you're not taking up the substrate. When you kink the hose it allows the substrate to settle back down, then you unkink it and let the dirt, etc., come up through the hose.
I get this one because I also have mollies that will eat the bits the snails won't, but they also sell other mixes. It's a huge hit with everyone. Also use Wonder Shells, they really do a great job with releasing calcium.
https://www.amazon.ca/Elos-Premium-All-Natural-Unflavored-Stabilizer/dp/B09CLRQYPN/ref=sr_1_5?crid=C41KIDN0WKMK&keywords=unflavored+gelatin&qid=16- THIS IS THE GELATIN
the gelatin is not the same brand i use but you can use any unflavored gelatin you buy the exact brand i used was from a grocery store it was called knox box unflavoured gelatin. thanks for asking questions tho i love to answer them!!!!(if you have anymore you know who to ask!!)
I use this one for my smaller tanks~ https://www.amazon.com/Tetra-Submersible-Aquarium-Electronic-Thermostat/dp/B000OQO69Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1HMIEB8MLJNGW&keywords=tetra+preset+aquarium+heater&qid=1646940150&sprefix=tetra+pre+set+a%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-3
And this one for my large tanks~ https://www.amazon.com/Orlushy-Submersible-Heater-Fish-Thermostat-freshwater/dp/B07H2L8DZR/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=ARBM88P4RHE5&keywords=100+watt+orlushy+aquarium+heater&qid=1639331651&sprefix=100+watt+orlushy+aquarium+heater%2Caps%2C126&a...
Right, it's a hunk of calcium your snail can use for its shell. Ours are in the shape of a clam shell.
(3 Packages) Weco Wonder Shell Natural Minerals (3 Pack), Small - Total of 9 Shells https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BMSGZ2B/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glc_i_5YDBQ92N5RYYE7F2P537
It depends on the species assassins are one of the predatory snails and that’s usually the case With nerites If you don’t think you have enough algae for them then try some chlorella tablets
I use Carib sea peace river sand. It’s pebbley sand so it’s densely packed and it’s light enough for burrowing. SuperNaturals Peace River 20LB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002APMU6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_47GYFSW4SJ3F933MPRSK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use a gravel vacuum like this one: https://www.chewy.com/python-pro-clean-gravel-washer-siphon/dp/133623?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Python&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAiAhreNBhAYEiwAFGGKPMqZIgKRH7-kvTqIr4ofwSsJw0jBpyQLpLLTm8a_O...
It may be that the snails don't mind but you need to clean waste to keep your water parameters in check!
I know some people use tums for snello, I didn't specifically because I have shrimp and fish, and I didn't want to risk losing a tank full of shrimp over it. I ordered this as it's a decent size for the money and brands itself as pure calcium carbonate.
Oh, Thank you so much. That really clarifies things. So, I'll keep the sponge filter in, and in addition I got this: Azoo Mignon Filter 60. In addition because somebody sounded like they knew what they were talking about, I got:
- Seachem matrix carbon
- Seachem matrix bio media
- 100 micron polishing pad
Mainly, I'm trying to really know how to manage my H20 before I bring a larger species into my care. (The Mystery snail died and I felt HORRIBLE).
Thank so so much for the great help!
It’s a little handheld digital microscope that connects wirelessly to any phone. Pretty easy to set up and use.
I buy this food for my snails.
I also bought some calcium chips I throw in every once in a while. also ...just FYI... I wouldn't keep your snail on your skin that long. I know it can seem fun, but I don't think our salty skin feels good to them, which might be why he tried to jump off your arm.
My snail had a Crack in her shell when I first got her. Just looks like your snail has a calcium deficiency. Best food I found that snails love to eat is shrimp and lobster pellets. Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LIIZY2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_X4NQ066Y5Y0ZSRFS8GR1
My snail bounced back in about two weeks. Give it a try, it's in the cheaper end and has a ton of calcium in it. Best of luck :)
Well.. both, kind of. I'm still waiting on the first to hatch, but I'm just basing it on what I've read so far. I do know that the parents alone have a decent bioload, so I imagine 200 miniatures, become a water nightmare pretty fast! ;) These were the feeder blocks/ vacation feeders I had gotten, but looking at them again now, I just realized they have salt in them. -.-;; So much for that idea, but I'm glad I double checked!!
Likely the water is already polluted (it looks cloudy in the picture?) I would replace as much as possible with tank/dechlorinated water ASAP and/or move them into a bigger container if you can. This is the breeder box I got, but if you can get one from your pet store sooner, I would definitely do that!
Best of luck to ya!
when mine start hatching I gently break the egg case into a few pieces and just chuck it into a breeder box. since they are already hatching the case can be fully underwater. I found this breeder box off of amazon, I liked it because the holes were really tiny as to not let the snails fall through. i’ve had it for about a month now and I love it. it’s pretty big so def make sure it’s not too big for your tank.
It’s technically a shrimp feeding tube/dish. But I got it on Amazon. My mystery tank is a tall, and I’m a short so doing targeted feeding (for easier cleanup) is easier for me this way. JZMYXA Aquarium Shrimp Small Fish... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HLZ7SW4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I found mine (I believe it’s identical to this and it comes in 2 sizes) here:
UPETTOOLS Aquarium Air Stone Fish Tank Nano Bubbl... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HRGDMWK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_9Q9DK92ECXB99QWM8640?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I saw your filter in the photo and I have one similar to it... I have had 2 mystery snails die by being sucked up the filter. These tubes were recommend to me to protect them: Powkoo Intake Strainer Filter, Aquarium Fish Tank Pre-Filter Intake Filter Cover Filter Guard https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B078YPZWQ3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_DXr5FbY9W8QZA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You should get some pearlweed and some sort of rich substrate (if you have the funds of course, ik it can be difficult sometimes, but you could probably find a local hobbyist willing to give you trimmings, or buy it off of a lot of websites for real cheap) if you get that stuff under a simple nicrews light and any fluval stratum it'll carpet really well and could look pretty cool. This is just an idea of course, but could be a nice introduction into the realm of planted tanks. It also might give all your snails a little something to munch on all day long
Substrate: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JGQIY48/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_XOV4Fb9PQ9VF4
Nicrew: https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Spectrum-Freshwater/dp/B07F7391M2
I made this mistake too when I first got into fishkeeping . Your betta should be able to survive it but I recommend using something like this to decrease the stress of the fish . Your snail probably died due to shock and a not properly cycled tank
If your tank is cloudy stuff some polyfil in there. I got a huge bag that will probably last me a lifetime on amazon.
Fairfield 100% Polyester Poly-Fil 20 oz, 20 Ounce, Waterfall https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TH2E3PA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_61tLDbEDP98WP
I feed mine blanched cucumbers, zucchini, and/or spinach. At night, I give them a couple algae wafers bc mine seem to like those best as a midnight snack. I also got some sort of food specifically for aquatic snails off of amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082GGHXM2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share It’s important they have plenty of calcium in their diets too
I’m looking at the sponge filters and I am a little confused on how they work with the air stone. I have one of the flat disc ones. Edit: Link Air Stone Large Premium 4" Round Bubbler by Aquatix Pro, Air Stones Best for Aquariums, Fish Tanks, Ponds and Hydroponic Systems, Top Quality Diffuser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WVSC8Q3?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Okay. :\ Will these work? https://www.amazon.com/API-Strips-Water-Conditioner-Aquariums/dp/B007GCEAX8/
So far I've only added one snail and one amano shrimp so hopefully that isn't enough to make a big spike.