Mystery snails

[babywantsfish]

My 4 year old is getting guppies for our 5 gallon tank once it is cycled, she also would like a mystery snail. Do we need to get more than one? Are they ok on gravel? Is there anything I should know about them besides they can excape? I have had very bad luck with fish in the past and dont want to go through that any more with my 4 year old who has already lost a goldfish.

[genocidex]

they should be cake to care for, more than 1 i believe will mate, throw some live plants in there and if theres not enough algea on the wall and food on the ground they will eat the plants. and a tight lid is recomended because as you said they can escape :P

you seem to be doing your home work, should be a great experience for you and your 4 yr old

[babywantsfish]

If they are ok with only one then I think we will do only one. Thanks for the advice on the food. I am hoping she will take more responsibility for the fish than she has with her crab. But it should be fun anyway.

[genocidex]

actually im so sorry to inform you but looking into it more i might have gotten those mixed up with another snail. i guess your best bet would be to read up on this forums here:
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

a 4 year old taking responceablity? its a good wish and might happen but i wouldnt count on it lol

[babywantsfish]

Thanks. I will. I know she probably wont, but I can dream. We already have a small farm pretty much between my 4 kids and all thier pets.

[johnathonlove'sfish]

i think he was reffering to apple snails...... anyway i have mystery snails in my planted tank and the only plants they'll eat are decaying ones. the will mate with more than one but the put the eggs above the water line so its easy to whipe them off. i personally think they like company bc mine crawl on eachother and hitch rides on eachother.

[babywantsfish]

Thanks. I will have to think about getting more than one then. I dont want them to be unhappy.

[MCools]

Apple snails and mystery snails are the same thing. They do well on their own, and do have a big bio-load for their size. I've seen it recommended that you have two gallons just for ONE.

Give this site a read-- they know their stuff about apple snails [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

I'd start with 1 and than get more once you get a bigger tank. You and your kids will love watching them :1luvu: they are really cool!

Oh, and remember that they will go dormant occasionally- don't throw out an inactive snail unless it smells (you will have NO DOUBT if it's really dead!!)

Edit for spelling

[babywantsfish]

Thanks. i will get one and then get more.