Snails dying and/or ailing

[cotasm]

Hi, all! I’m new here and am looking for some advice. 
 

My son has a 10 gallon tank that I helped him set up about a year ago. It has 4 fish—combo of mollies and platies (or is the plural platys?)—that have been doing well all along. We got some algae buildup, so I was told snails would be a good idea. At the time, I didn’t know much about them, and I was sold a couple of mystery snails. They did an okay job on the gravel but not so much on the decor objects in the tank. After digging into more reading, I decided to get a couple of Nerites (wishing that’s what I’d started with). The Nerites did an amazing job. I know that 4 snails is a bit much for that size tank, so we supplemented the mystery snails with blanched veggies and other snail food, which they loved. Just as I’d read, the Nerites were picky eaters, so I was hoping they’d concentrate on the algae while I got the mystery snails to focus on the other food. 

All seemed to be going well, and I decided that it might be a good idea to provide some added calcium for shell health. A few days ago, I added one (even though it calls for several) small Wonder Shell to test results. A day or two later, one of the Nerites was dead. It was older, so I thought it might be coincidence. A day or so after that, the other Nerite died. The mystery snails seem okay except that they seem to be spending more time near the top waterline. I tested the levels of amonia, nitrites, and nitrates, and they all look good. The only two things I’ve read that raised my eyebrows were:

1) Someone used a Wonder Shell and ended up with dead snails because he said his water was already very hard and the thinks the Wonder Shells gave him an overdose of minerals. My water is not soft but doesn’t test as very hard either. For top-offs and water changes, I use tap water with Seachem Prime to dechlorinate. I’ve removed what remains of the Wonder Shell in the meantime. Unfortunately, I do not yet have a reef test kit for measuring calcium, phosphate, etc.

2) Someone suggested that snails at the top could mean low oxygen. I don’t yet have a way to test that. I assumed that a hang-on-back filter with a good water drop would sufficiently move the water enough to keep the oxygen levels up in that size tank.

Does anyone have any advice or have an idea of what happened (or is happening)? I’m grateful for any help. Thanks!

Edited February 16 by cotasm
Spelling correction

[Cinnebuns]

Hey!  Welcome to the forums!

First of all, I highly doubt the wonder shells are the cause of your issues here. It's impossible to overdose on the wonder shells. If there is enough calcium in the water, they just dissolve slower or not at all. 

Secondly, yes, it's correct that mystery snails at the top is a sign of low oxygen. It could also he a sign of another water quality issue. Mystery snails have both gills and lungs. When they are unable to get oxygen from the water, they will go to the waterline and get some from the air above the water. What kind of filter(s) are you running?  How long until they have been cleaned?  Do you run an air stone?

In regards to the nerite snail, I doubt it died of old age. Nerites can easily live over 5 years. There are 2 other more likely possibilities:

All nerite snails are wild caught. They are found in brackish water and not bred in captivity like mystery snails. Because of this, often some do not adjust to captive life and don't make it. I have had over 25 different species of nerites and almost all are pretty iffy for the first month or 2. After that they seem to be in the clear. 

The 2nd possible issue is food.  Like you said, feeding nerites can be difficult. Some will accept commercial foods and veggies but not many. Often what ends up happening is they do such a good job cleaning the algae for you that there is none left for then to eat. In these cases I suggest people supply them with driftwood. Cholla wood seems to be a favorite of theirs but you can try others as well. 

[Whitecloud09]

On 2/15/2024 at 6:11 PM, cotasm said:

Hi, all! I’m new here and am looking for some advice. 
 

My son has a 10 gallon tank that I helped him set up about a year ago. It has 4 fish—combo of mollies and platies (or is the plural platys?)—that have been doing well all along. We got some algae buildup, so I was told snails would be a good idea. At the time, I didn’t know much about them, and I was sold a couple of mystery snails. They did an okay job on the gravel but not so much on the decor objects in the tank. After digging into more reading, I decided to get a couple of Nerites (wishing that’s what I’d started with). The Nerites did an amazing job. I know that 4 snails is a bit much for that size tank, so we supplemented the mystery snails with blanched veggies and other snail food, which they loved. Just as I’d read, the Nerites were picky eaters, so I was hoping they’d concentrate on the algae while I got the mystery snails to focus on the other food. 

All seemed to be going well, and I decided that it might be a good idea to provide some added calcium for shell health. A few days ago, I added one (even though it calls for several) small Wonder Shell to test results. A day or two later, one of the Nerites was dead. It was older, so I thought it might be coincidence. A day or so after that, the other Nerite died. The mystery snails seem okay except that they seem to be spending more time near the top waterline. I tested the levels of amonia, nitrites, and nitrates, and they all look good. The only two things I’ve read that raised my eyebrows were:

1) Someone used a Wonder Shell and ended up with dead snails because he said his water was already very hard and the thinks the Wonder Shells gave him an overdose of minerals. My water is not soft but doesn’t test as very hard either. For top-offs and water changes, I use tap water with Seachem Prime to dechlorinate. I’ve removed what remains of the Wonder Shell in the meantime. Unfortunately, I do not yet have a reed test kit for measuring calcium, phosphate, etc.

2) Someone suggested that snails at the top could mean low oxygen. I don’t yet have a way to test that. I assumed that a hang-on-back filter with a good water drop would sufficiently move the water enough to keep the oxygen levels up in that size tank.

Does anyone have any advice or have an idea of what happened (or is happening)? I’m grateful for any help. Thanks!

Yes I agree with @Cinnebuns, I would get a airstone if u don’t have one now, and having the filter going into a low water level will prob disturb the fish with so much flow. If no airstone then get a ziss airstone. But if it is a 10g…it might be ok to low water level as long as not to much! Welcome o the forum btw @cotasm! U will like it, good friendly advice here! 😀
 

[Tony s]

On 2/15/2024 at 6:11 PM, cotasm said:

water was already very hard and the thinks the Wonder Shells gave him an overdose of minerals

Yeah, that's not really a thing. Wonder shell and crushed coral absorb into the water up to a certain point. Then they slow down and no longer dissolve. Usually up to a 12 dGH. Snails do wonderful in this hardness. the extra calcium is easier to absorb into their shells. Without enough dGH you can see thin crack lines in the shell.

Both types of snails should be easily trained to eat things like algae wafers. Never had a problem with picky snails. They readily consume anything organic in the tank. dead plants, algae, dead fish.  where I've had an issue is not giving them enough to eat. I have a betta/ rasbora tank where not enough food was left for them and lost a few. now they get half an algae wafer a couple times a week. and are fine. 

Snails are great. mine roam all over the tank. Sometimes they're really goofy. I've had them at the top just floating, taking ride on floating plants, climbing up just to float down. Haven't had nerites in a bit, but the mystery's have bred and now I have about 40 of those.

[cotasm]

On 2/15/2024 at 6:53 PM, Cinnebuns said:

Welcome to the forums!

Thank you! And thanks so much for the reply.

On 2/15/2024 at 6:53 PM, Cinnebuns said:

What kind of filter(s) are you running?

I bought an AquaClear 20 with the tank a year ago, but shortly after, I stopped using their brand refills and started using my own: For mechanical, I use some filter floss topped with an Aquatic Experts pad that has filter floss and a polishing pad; for chemical, I formerly used charcoal but have since switched to Purigen that I add to appropriate sized extra fine mesh media bag; for bio, I use Matrix in a coarse mesh media bag. I clean the filter and replace the media regularly (I let the bio run much longer, though), but never all at once. If water quality is the issue, then it's something that I'm not yet testing for.

On 2/15/2024 at 6:53 PM, Cinnebuns said:

Do you run an air stone?

No, but I did consider that the other day when I read about a possible oxygen problem. I just assumed with a 10-gallon that water movement from the HoB filter running wide open would be enough. Am I wrong?

On 2/15/2024 at 6:53 PM, Cinnebuns said:

often some do not adjust to captive life and don't make it. I have had over 25 different species of nerites and almost all are pretty iffy for the first month or 2. After that they seem to be in the clear. 

Oh, wow. Very good to know. That gives me hope that things might not be as bad as they seem.

On 2/15/2024 at 6:53 PM, Cinnebuns said:

I suggest people supply them with driftwood. Cholla wood seems to be a favorite of theirs but you can try others as well. 

Apologies for the ignorance, but how does driftwood help? Is it just more space to accumulate algae for them to eat?

Thanks again! This was very helpful.

[cotasm]

On 2/15/2024 at 7:12 PM, Bigdog99 said:

I would get a airstone if u don’t have one now, and having the filter going into a low water level will prob disturb the fish with so much flow. If no airstone then get a ziss airstone. But if it is a 10g…it might be ok to low water level as long as not to much!

That's great advice that I think I'll take. Might be time for an airstone just to be safe.

On 2/15/2024 at 7:12 PM, Bigdog99 said:

Welcome o the forum btw @cotasm! U will like it, good friendly advice here! 😀

Thanks. Seems like a great place. 🙂 

On 2/15/2024 at 7:15 PM, Tony s said:

Yeah, that's not really a thing. Wonder shell and crushed coral absorb into the water up to a certain point. Then they slow down and no longer dissolve. Usually up to a 12 dGH. Snails do wonderful in this hardness. the extra calcium is easier to absorb into their shells. Without enough dGH you can see thin crack lines in the shell.

Good to know. I haven't seen any shell cracks, but it might be a good idea for me to buy a tester for dGH.

On 2/15/2024 at 7:15 PM, Tony s said:

Snails are great. mine roam all over the tank. Sometimes they're really goofy. I've had them at the top just floating, taking ride on floating plants, climbing up just to float down.

😄 Yea, I was completely surprised at how entertained I was with the mystery snails (I like them more than the fish 🙂). The Nerites, not so much, but I was getting them mostly for their extra algae-scrubbing capabilities. It's possible that I just didn't provide enough for them even though I tried supplementing. Ugh. These two were definitely picky, and I've heard others have similar issues. Sounds like you got lucky or are just good at training. 🙂 Thanks for your help!

Edited February 16 by cotasm
fixed typos

[Tony s]

On 2/15/2024 at 7:33 PM, cotasm said:

tester for dGH

Sera makes one of the best kits for dGH and dKh. Counting droplets into a water tube. I like coop test strips for everything but the higher levels of dGH and dKH

[Whitecloud09]

On 2/15/2024 at 7:20 PM, cotasm said:

 

Apologies for the ignorance, but how does driftwood help? Is it just more space to accumulate algae for them to eat algae?

IMO, it isn’t a big deal, I wouldn’t worry about it @cotasm, it turns your water brown too, except for spider wood. U can feed them algae wafers btw. Hope this helps!

[Cinnebuns]

On 2/15/2024 at 6:15 PM, Tony s said:

Never had a problem with picky snails.

On 2/15/2024 at 6:15 PM, Tony s said:

Haven't had nerites in a bit

Picky snails is specific to nerites since they are all wild ccaught.  It's a common problem although not all have this issue. 

On 2/15/2024 at 6:20 PM, cotasm said:

No, but I did consider that the other day when I read about a possible oxygen problem. I just assumed with a 10-gallon that water movement from the HoB filter running wide open would be enough. Am I wrong?

The water movement from the HOB should be enough yes however sometimes things get in the way. If the water level is low, that reduces the effectiveness of the HOB filter and surface movement. 

On 2/15/2024 at 6:20 PM, cotasm said:

Apologies for the ignorance, but how does driftwood help? Is it just more space to accumulate algae for them to eat?

They literally eat the driftwood. cholla is their favorite.

On 2/15/2024 at 9:08 PM, Bigdog99 said:

IMO, it isn’t a big deal, I wouldn’t worry about it @cotasm, it turns your water brown too, except for spider wood. U can feed them algae wafers btw. Hope this helps!

Not all nerites accept algae wafers infact most do not and those who don't will eat driftwood. Also cholla wood does not turn your water brown or take up much space. 

 

Edited February 16 by Cinnebuns

[cotasm]

On 2/15/2024 at 10:41 PM, Cinnebuns said:

They literally eat the driftwood. cholla is their favorite.

Great to know! Thanks. 

On 2/15/2024 at 10:41 PM, Cinnebuns said:

Not all nerites accept algae wafers infact most do not and those who don't will eat driftwood.

Yea, that’s what I’ve read a lot. I’ve tried algae wafers (most commonly recommended) and Hikari Crab Cuisine (recommended for snails by the guy who runs aquariumbreeder.com). With the former, the fish eat it faster than the mystery snails do, and they make a mess after a half day or so (I remove remnants after 24 hours); with the latter, the fish go at it but don’t seem successful (too hard, maybe), but I’ve yet to stick around long enough to see how it holds up. The Nerites won’t touch either of them. 🤷‍♂️

On 2/15/2024 at 10:41 PM, Cinnebuns said:

Also cholla wood does not turn your water brown or take up much space.

Oh, that’s great to hear. I’ve been avoiding driftwood because of hearing about the tannin leaching and discolored water. I’ll have to try that when I get another Nerite. Thank you again!

[Cinnebuns]

On 2/15/2024 at 10:40 PM, cotasm said:

Yea, that’s what I’ve read a lot. I’ve tried algae wafers (most commonly recommended) and Hikari Crab Cuisine (recommended for snails by the guy who runs aquariumbreeder.com). With the former, the fish eat it faster than the mystery snails do, and they make a mess after a half day or so (I remove remnants after 24 hours); with the latter, the fish go at it but don’t seem successful (too hard, maybe), but I’ve yet to stick around long enough to see how it holds up. The Nerites won’t touch either of them. 🤷‍♂️

Crab cuisine is my go-to for any snail other than nerites. You can make a platform the mystery snails can get to but the fish can't out of a cheap soap dish and a suction cup using gorilla glue gel. I used to do that for mine. Or you can also try feeding at night when the mystery snails are looking to graze although that method doesn't always work either. 

On 2/15/2024 at 10:40 PM, cotasm said:

Oh, that’s great to hear. I’ve been avoiding driftwood because of hearing about the tannin leaching and discolored water. I’ll have to try that when I get another Nerite. Thank you again!

Yeah cholla technically isn't a wood but the inside of a cactus so it doesn't have all the same properties as wood does. They typically come in small rounds. 

[Tony s]

I actually wasn’t trying to feed my snails at first, the wafers were for the corys. But sometimes the snails got there first. As for the nerites, I think it was a case of that was all there was, so they ate it. Kind of like how you’d train a picky fish to eat 

[cotasm]

On 2/16/2024 at 12:02 AM, Cinnebuns said:

You can make a platform the mystery snails can get to but the fish can't out of a cheap soap dish and a suction cup using gorilla glue gel.

Wow, a place that only the snails can get to sounds like a perfect idea. I can’t picture exactly how the soap dish thing would work, but I’m sure I can search and find it. Is the GG gel definitely safe for long-term submersion?

Also, glad to hear that I was steered right with the Crab Cuisine. 🙂 Thanks again. This forum has been great! (And I only joined 7 hours ago. 😆) Wish I’d found it sooner. 

Edited February 16 by cotasm
correction

[Cinnebuns]

On 2/16/2024 at 12:09 AM, cotasm said:

Wow, a place that only the snails can get to sounds like a perfect idea. I can’t picture exactly how the soap dish thing would work, but I’m sure I can search and find it. Is the GG gel definitely safe for long-term submersion?

Also, glad to hear that I was steered right with the Crab Cuisine. 🙂 Thanks again. This forum has been great! (And I only joined 7 hours ago. 😆) Wish I’d found it sooner. 

As long as it's the GEL kind then yes gorilla glue is safe long term. I made one awhile back. I doubt I can find it but I'll look and take a pic if I do find it. 

Edited February 16 by Cinnebuns

[Whitecloud09]

On 2/15/2024 at 10:41 PM, Cinnebuns said:

Picky snails is specific to nerites since they are all wild ccaught.  It's a common problem although not all have this issue. 

The water movement from the HOB should be enough yes however sometimes things get in the way. If the water level is low, that reduces the effectiveness of the HOB filter and surface movement. 

They literally eat the driftwood. cholla is their favorite.

Not all nerites accept algae wafers infact most do not and those who don't will eat driftwood. Also cholla wood does not turn your water brown or take up much space. 

 

Oh ok, I thought it was only spider wood that didn’t. That is a cool fact @Cinnebuns about them EATING the driftwood! I guess you learn something new every day lol. I guess it kinda depends on the snail.

About eating algae wafers

On 2/16/2024 at 1:09 AM, cotasm said:

Wow, a place that only the snails can get to sounds like a perfect idea. I can’t picture exactly how the soap dish thing would work, but I’m sure I can search and find it. Is the GG gel definitely safe for long-term submersion?

Also, glad to hear that I was steered right with the Crab Cuisine. 🙂 Thanks again. This forum has been great! (And I only joined 7 hours ago. 😆) Wish I’d found it sooner. 

Yes I use gg gel for glue rhizome plants and it is 100% safe. Just make sure it is the GEL not normal because it will run.

Edited February 16 by Bigdog99
Fixed lots of typos

[Cinnebuns]

On 2/16/2024 at 8:35 AM, Bigdog99 said:

I guess it kinda depends on the snail.

About eating algae wafers

Almost all snails will eat algae wafers. It's just a majority of nerites do not. Algae wafers are a good option for other species of snails though. 

[cotasm]

I want to thank everyone for their help on this. This group is so darn helpful with so much knowledge and support (I've been reading other threads last night and this morning). I never thought I'd be as fascinated by this as I am (freshwater invertebrates more so than fish). I guess I have my 9-year-old son, who feels the same way, to thank for that since he's the one who asked me to set up a simple tank for him.

I just read Diana Walstad's "Ecology of the Planted Aquarium". I may be getting out over my skis too soon on this considering that I have no experience with aquatic plants, but I'm tempted to jump into that kind of natural, low-tech (if that's the correct term) system. The lower-maintenance appeals to me, but more than that, it's the challenge of the balancing act and adjusting variables to see how things happen. Though, I've also read about frustration and failures at times. I just worry that I'm biting off more than I can chew with my limited experience. I considered a small tank or jar, but I've also read that something a bit larger (~10g) would be an environment that is somewhat more forgiving and less prone to rapid swings because of the larger volume of water.

I know I'm switching topics in this thread (sorry), so I won't carry that discussion too much here. In fact, after more thought and research, I'll likely create a separate topic asking for opinions. For example, from my reading, especially because I'm more interested in shrimp, snails, etc., I worry that fish would complicate matters (as a disruptor for maintaining the others--especially shrimp--unless I can create an environment for them to become inconspicuous), but from what I gather, they seem like they are necessary to provide the nutrients for the plants (or maybe I'm wrong about that). If that's the case, then I'd be looking for fish that are both non-aggressive and resilient. And speaking of resiliency, in the beginning, I'd probably go for that, too, with shrimp; I hear cherry shrimp are a good starter.

As always, thanks!

[Whitecloud09]

On 2/16/2024 at 9:45 AM, Cinnebuns said:

Almost all snails will eat algae wafers. It's just a majority of nerites do not. Algae wafers are a good option for other species of snails though. 

Yes I have heard that before. I think corys like them more tho.

Maybe idk 😂

On 2/16/2024 at 11:22 AM, cotasm said:

I want to thank everyone for their help on this. This group is so darn helpful with so much knowledge and support (I've been reading other threads last night and this morning). I never thought I'd be as fascinated by this as I am (freshwater invertebrates more so than fish). I guess I have my 9-year-old son, who feels the same way, to thank for that since he's the one who asked me to set up a simple tank for him.

I just read Diana Walstad's "Ecology of the Planted Aquarium". I may be getting out over my skis too soon on this considering that I have no experience with aquatic plants, but I'm tempted to jump into that kind of natural, low-tech (if that's the correct term) system. The lower-maintenance appeals to me, but more than that, it's the challenge of the balancing act and adjusting variables to see how things happen. Though, I've also read about frustration and failures at times. I just worry that I'm biting off more than I can chew with my limited experience. I considered a small tank or jar, but I've also read that something a bit larger (~10g) would be an environment that is somewhat more forgiving and less prone to rapid swings because of the larger volume of water.

I know I'm switching topics in this thread (sorry), so I won't carry that discussion too much here. In fact, after more thought and research, I'll likely create a separate topic asking for opinions. For example, from my reading, especially because I'm more interested in shrimp, snails, etc., I worry that fish would complicate matters (as a disruptor for maintaining the others--especially shrimp--unless I can create an environment for them to become inconspicuous), but from what I gather, they seem like they are necessary to provide the nutrients for the plants (or maybe I'm wrong about that). If that's the case, then I'd be looking for fish that are both non-aggressive and resilient. And speaking of resiliency, in the beginning, I'd probably go for that, too, with shrimp; I hear cherry shrimp are a good starter.

As always, thanks!

Yes u can create some other threads about plants which u can start in “plants, algae, and fertilizers”! I hope all goes well and happy fishleeping @cotasm!!!! Feel free to ask  questions any time, that is why this is a thing lol

[Lennie]

Mystery snails, naturally, go to the water level and above from time to time. They do this in every tank of mine, so I don't think it is the oxygenation issue. Sometimes to take a gulp of air, sometimes to snack on duckween/frogbit, sometimes to lay eggs, or maybe even to prove their parasnailing skills! Fish would react worse to oxygen problems than a mystery snail with an ability breathe from air does.

Water parameter issues can be a thing. Always a good idea to check at least ammonia and strip tests to(or liquid test kits ofcourse) to see what's going on. Especially after having a dead one in small tank size, ammonia levels may go up fast enough and create a toxic environment.

10g cannot sustain a lot of nerites as they heavily rely on feeding on natural algae/biofilm growth in the tank, and they can clean it all pretty quickly, so may end up starving. I think one is good enough in a 10g. I wouldn't add a second personally. Old age is also a factor but two dying in a row should be a very bad coincidence for them to die due to old age. My vote goes for potential starvation or water parameter issue maybe.

[cotasm]

On 2/17/2024 at 4:35 PM, Lennie said:

Mystery snails, naturally, go to the water level and above from time to time.

Yea, I was aware that of as I've seen it lots. In this case, they were staying up there together for an extended period, which I hadn't seen before and only concerned me because of the recent deaths of the Nerites, but things seem back to normal now (except for the dead Nerites) 😏

On 2/17/2024 at 4:35 PM, Lennie said:

to prove their parasnailing skills!

😆

On 2/17/2024 at 4:35 PM, Lennie said:

Fish would react worse to oxygen problems than a mystery snail with an ability breathe from air does.

Good to know. The fish showed no signs os distress.

On 2/17/2024 at 4:35 PM, Lennie said:

Always a good idea to check at least ammonia and strip tests to(or liquid test kits ofcourse) to see what's going on. Especially after having a dead one in small tank size, ammonia levels may go up fast enough and create a toxic environment.

Yep, the first thing I did was check the those levels. All good. And I removed the Nerites right away (I know they hadn't been dead very long) and followed up with more testing in the days that followed. Still good. 👍

On 2/17/2024 at 4:35 PM, Lennie said:

10g cannot sustain a lot of nerites as they heavily rely on feeding on natural algae/biofilm growth in the tank, and they can clean it all pretty quickly, so may end up starving. I think one is good enough in a 10g. I wouldn't add a second personally.

Yes, I completely agree. Once I saw how quickly they worked, I realized that it might be one too many. If we get another, it will only be one (there's a Highlander joke in there somewhere 😏). Thanks for your advice.

As a general follow-up... The mystery snails seem to be acting more normal now. Actually, I've noticed a clear delineation in the color on their shells now; they're darker and seem slightly thicker on one half of them. I did a search in the forums here for similar questions and photos that matched what I'm seeing, and it seems that is probably a good sign. I'm not concerned, but if anyone here is, I can post a photo.

Thanks again!

[Lennie]

On 2/18/2024 at 1:45 AM, cotasm said:

As a general follow-up... The mystery snails seem to be acting more normal now. Actually, I've noticed a clear delineation in the color on their shells now; they're darker and seem slightly thicker on one half of them. I did a search in the forums here for similar questions and photos that matched what I'm seeing, and it seems that is probably a good sign. I'm not concerned, but if anyone here is, I can post a photo.

The new growth tends to come a darker color and may lighten up later on when it keeps growing. The lines between the growths usually reflects to the growth in different water parameters. So in case you switch tanks or play around your parameters, you may happen to see it. That's why, for perfect shells, stability is important. But it is more about the aesthetic look

If you have any concerns, ofcourse you can share a pic. OTherwise, it does not sound like something negative. 

Now that I think, they might be searching for food too. Make sure you feed mystery snails often enough. They eat A LOT! And fish leftovers with a few blanched veggies may lead to underfed snails. People commonly underfeed their snails

[cotasm]

On 2/17/2024 at 5:51 PM, Lennie said:

Make sure you feed mystery snails often enough. They eat A LOT! And fish leftovers with a few blanched veggies may lead to underfed snails.

Yep. I'm trying. This is what I said in an earlier exchange with @Cinnebuns:

On 2/15/2024 at 11:40 PM, cotasm said:

I’ve tried algae wafers (most commonly recommended) and Hikari Crab Cuisine (recommended for snails by the guy who runs aquariumbreeder.com). With the former, the fish eat it faster than the mystery snails do, and they make a mess after a half day or so (I remove remnants after 24 hours); with the latter, the fish go at it but don’t seem successful (too hard, maybe), but I’ve yet to stick around long enough to see how it holds up. The Nerites won’t touch either of them. 🤷‍♂️

Since then, I've had more luck getting them to eat the Crab Cuisine by getting it more in their proximity and doing it at night, though I'm still trying to find a good way of creating something that only the snails (and not the fish) can get into for food. I can confirm that the snails did get some of it this time. 🙂 I'll continue with blanched veggies also, as I've been doing all along. I also picked up some Cholla today for the next Nerite.

Thank you for the advice!

[Lennie]

On 2/18/2024 at 4:21 AM, cotasm said:

Yep. I'm trying. This is what I said in an earlier exchange with @Cinnebuns:

Since then, I've had more luck getting them to eat the Crab Cuisine by getting it more in their proximity and doing it at night, though I'm still trying to find a good way of creating something that only the snails (and not the fish) can get into for food. I can confirm that the snails did get some of it this time. 🙂 I'll continue with blanched veggies also, as I've been doing all along. I also picked up some Cholla today for the next Nerite.

Thank you for the advice!

Check for snello recipes on Lav’s snails channel on youtube! Once you get the idea, you can play around the recipes based on what ingredients you have

[cotasm]

On 2/17/2024 at 11:53 PM, Lennie said:

Check for snello recipes on Lav’s snails channel on youtube!

Checking it out now. Cool channel. Thanks!

[AllFishNoBrakes]

On 2/16/2024 at 9:22 AM, cotasm said:

but I'm tempted to jump into that kind of natural, low-tech (if that's the correct term) system. The lower-maintenance appeals to me, but more than that, it's the challenge of the balancing act and adjusting variables to see how things happen. Though, I've also read about frustration and failures at times. I just worry that I'm biting off more than I can chew with my limited experience. I considered a small tank or jar, but I've also read that something a bit larger (~10g) would be an environment that is somewhat more forgiving and less prone to rapid swings because of the larger volume of water.

Dirted tanks are fun, but like you said yourself I would suggest becoming more comfortable with just a standard tank first. The variables of dirt and other things make it different. I have 14 tanks, and only 1 with dirt. I was like 2 years into my hobby when I finally took the dive and felt comfortable with it. 
 

Here’s my dirted tank:

 

No filter, no fertilizer, no c02. Fun little Pearl Weed forest of a tank. This tank pearls more than my tanks with c02. As far as lower maintenance, I still water change this tank every week. You probably don’t have to, but I do. Keeps things consistent with my super soft water, and I’ve gotten green water on this tank 3 times. Any little change causes green water and I have to balance it again.