Snail Companion

[tori.lock]

I have a betta and in a few months I'm planning on moving him into a 1.5-3 gallon tank and was considering getting an apple snail. I have 2 anubias, and would like to get some moss and other plants, and I'm afraid they might get eaten. What are good not-massive, non-plant destroying snails?

[VoidParadigm]

Applesnail.net has lots of information about apple snails. There is a species I know of that doesn't eat aquarium plants (unless they're already dead/dying) but I can't recall the name at the moment.

I think the smaller ramshorn snails can't handle much but fine plants. They are usually scientifically classified as an apple snail, but commonly known as Ramshorns or Ram Horns (shell is shaped like a ram's horn lol) It's the Columbian Ramshorn you definitely don't want, I know that much. I don't know anything about your plants, so I can't really help with what a small ramshorn species would do to yours.

[Wild Turkey]

If you get apple snails in a pet store you shouldnt have problems with them eating live plants. It would be the first I've heard of it, at least

They are going to need a ph of 7+ and a source of calcium in the water and diet though

[VoidParadigm]

If you get apple snails in a pet store you shouldnt have problems with them eating live plants. It would be the first I've heard of it, at least

They are going to need a ph of 7+ and a source of calcium in the water and diet though

Oh, my mistake. I mixed up two of the species. Thank you Wild Turkey for bringing that to my attention!

As for calcium I think zucchini is a recommended food? Granted, you probably won't want to buy a whole zucchini for one snail. I haven't been given a clear answer on what cuttlebone and/or adult calcium tablets would do to the fish in the tank long-term, though.

[Wild Turkey]

Oh, my mistake. I mixed up two of the species. Thank you Wild Turkey for bringing that to my attention!

As for calcium I think zucchini is a recommended food? Granted, you probably won't want to buy a whole zucchini for one snail. I haven't been given a clear answer on what cuttlebone and/or adult calcium tablets would do to the fish in the tank long-term, though.

cuttlefish bone, calcium pills/powder (both in the water, and ground into their food), crushed coral, a high ph and high calcium vegetables like kale all help maintain shell health. Its important not only aesthetically, but eventually the shell will actually grow large holes and begins to become a health issue

You may also have success with supplements designed for marine invertebrates

[DrNic]

Apple snails shouldn't eat plants. My pink ramshorns don't eat my plants either.

[tori.lock]

How would the calcium supplements affect the water? If it's too much trouble I don't want to risk my betta's health.

[Wild Turkey]

How would the calcium supplements affect the water? If it's too much trouble I don't want to risk my betta's health.

Calcium from most sources raises ph, not a big issue unless you are breeding the betta imo. But calcium additives for reefs (and most of the invert supplements for reefs) wont raise the ph since its calcium chloride I believe. Best to check with a reef expert first though

[Lady Hobbs]

Betta's are lone fish and swim alone in the wild. They require no companions. I mean, really, what do they have to talk about?

LOLOLOLOL

[VoidParadigm]

No, no, Hobbs, you're mistaken! It's just that all the other fish got tired of hearing about how beautiful the Betta Male's fins were, and were fed up with him getting jealous when someone more beautiful came along! :14:

[Deleted User]

Betta's are lone fish and swim alone in the wild. They require no companions. I mean, really, what do they have to talk about?

LOLOLOLOL

"What's for breakfast? When am I having breakfast? Is it time for Breakfast? I'd like some breakfast." (says Jill's bettas)

[tori.lock]

"What's for breakfast? When am I having breakfast? Is it time for Breakfast? I'd like some breakfast." (says Jill's bettas)


Oh yes, I get an earful of that from him. "Who just came in? Someone to say hello at and flare at? Someone to feed me? Yes I think they are going to feed me."