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gm72
03-29-2007, 09:41 PM
Can someone point me to some good information about snails? I saw these cool blue snails at Petco tonight and like some of the similarly larger variety of snails. I wonder how they breed/if it is possible? If possible, do you get a few and hope you get at least a few of each sex? Dummy on this subject I guess. A little help? Thanks!
xoolooxunny
03-29-2007, 10:28 PM
Most reproduce like bugs! hundreds upon hundreds if your not careful. I know off hand that nerite snails only reproduce in brackish water, so they're a safe bet. Most others you have to be prepared for population control.

I can send you a couple million if you want...
willisrad
03-30-2007, 01:02 AM
You are talking about mystery snails.
I don't know about their reproduction habits really, but you could probably google now that you know at least what kind of snail it is.

They help with algae and stuff a little bit, but I think that they are fun to look at more then anything.

And they pretty much leave your live plants alone which is always nice....
gm72
03-30-2007, 01:05 AM
The cool blue ones at Petco were just listed as "Blue Snail," which clearly does not tell us much. So if I want a lot of them should I buy...how many...and hope they do reproduce? Keep in mind that I have a tank with clown loaches, so if population becomes too large I can give them to the loaches for snacks! Thanks again for the ongoing help!
Rue
03-30-2007, 01:40 AM
...yes, likely the Blue Mystery Snail...

...I don't know how prolific they are under 'ordinary' tank conditions...never heard of anyone accidentally being overrun by them...
willisrad
03-30-2007, 03:26 AM
Same here.
I have 3 of them at the moment, but I've only had them for 2 months or so.
You have to worry about your water. If you've got hard water, their shells will become brittle and crack.
Chrona
03-30-2007, 03:39 AM
Same here.
I have 3 of them at the moment, but I've only had them for 2 months or so.
You have to worry about your water. If you've got hard water, their shells will become brittle and crack.

? I've heard the opposite. They need calcium to build shells, and prefer alkaline water because acidic water corrodes their shells.
willisrad
03-30-2007, 03:47 AM
Hrm.
I very well might be wrong.

There is a very good chance that I read that at 4am and was half awake.

I'm gonna try and do some research........
willisrad
03-30-2007, 03:51 AM
Ok.
I was wrong.
I think that this was the first time ever in history, so somebody make sure to take a picture!!!

hahahah. Good catch!
gm72
03-30-2007, 07:09 PM
Got it. BUT--if I wanted them to reproduce, is there a procedure for it? I definitely understand the water conditions, makes total sense.
Chrona
03-30-2007, 07:11 PM
Got it. BUT--if I wanted them to reproduce, is there a procedure for it? I definitely understand the water conditions, makes total sense.

I don't think snails need much, if any help reproducing. Don't feed them too much or you may be asking about how to remove them pretty soon ;)
gm72
03-30-2007, 07:34 PM
I was just searching online and I found a GREAT resource! Go here...
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
Now I'm thinking maybe add a 20 gallon long tank with snails and just a few mollies. Might be a cool experiment.