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I have a pair of 2.5 gallon tanks with a betta in each one. One of the tanks used to be stocked with 1 betta, 3 ADFs, and 1 apple snail. I know that's overstocked, but the fish lived happily for about 2 years. Unfortunately, everything but the betta has died over time. My other betta tank is pretty new. Anyway, they sell myestery snails at my LFS. I was wondering if I could add 1 or 2 to each of the tanks. The tanks are given 50% water changes once a week. (even though the quality of the water is pristine) I'm not bragging, just saying that the tanks are well cared for, and I think can provide for another aquatic buddy or two. What do you think?

- Dj :88)

Last edited by djtj at 06-Apr-2005 17:59

Are you running a filter? If so, I'd get just one. They make a ton of poo.

Kim

No filter, just frequent water changes.

- Dj :88)

If you do, I'd just get one snail per tank... unless you WANT baby snails. And I think two snails would quickly deteriorate the water quality. *shrugs*

Just keep in mind, they get pretty big!

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

Are mystery snails and apple snails the same thing? I always thought they were until I read some post on this site (it's old so it's been archieved, so I can't ask questions on it directly, I'll see if I can get a link). Anyway, someone said that mystery snails are a smaller subspecies of the apple snail. I've seen very large apple snails (and owned one). However, I've never seen a big mystery snail. I'm not quite sure if I want a snail as big as the one I had before, which was the reason I was looking into mystery snails and not apple snails in the first place.

Ok, I'll stick with 1 each, if I even do wind up getting them.

- Dj:88)

They are the same snail, just variations in color.


Kim

Actually both of the terms "mystery" and "apple" snail is just a vague name used by lfs's. They are interchangable.

There are many species of freshwater snails. Some get very large and eat plants (Pomacea Canaliculata, Insularum, Haustrum, etc). Some stay much smaller and don't eat plants (Pomacea Bridgesii). You have to examine the shell aperture and shape to determine the species, as most store don't provide the scientific name. www.applesnail.net has many pictures to help you.

For such a small tank, I'd suggest one Bridgesii or Ramshorn (Marisa cornuarietis).

i wouldnt put any snails in there because i got one black mystery snail for my ten gallon and within two weeks there were over 40 babys. i used the snail be gone stuff and it didnt work so i did a very thourogh cleaning and there were still some in there so now i am back to where i was with over 40. just a warning but maybe you will have better luck.

MONKEYS ARE COOL, BUT SEA-MONKEYS ARE BETTER.

Actually, applesnail was the first site I looked at. I don't remember what they said though. And ramshorns, I forgort all about those. I'm not sure if the LFS carries them, but if they do I'll get one.

BTW, how did it reproduce? I thought mystery/apple snails mated?

- Dj :88)

All of the larger snail species do require a male and female to reproduce. So, I think the previous poster was a little confused. Physids (pest/pond snails) probably hitchiked into the tank.