My snails are dying

[karenm]

My 40 gal has been set up about a month (cycled with bio-spira), I've had most of the snails about that long, a couple of larger ones for 2 weeks. 40lbs of live rock. I feed frozen mysis or squid, spirulina or marine algae. The smaller snails seem to be dying over the last week or so. A couple I've found jammed in between the rocks, and 4 of them I've just found empy shells. Once I found a hermit crab on a snail, looks like he trying to eat the snail. I pulled them apart and that snail is still alive. My levels are good except for my nitrates, which over around 5 or 10.
I bought a horseshoe crab about 2 weeks ago. Could he be killing my snails?

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by KarenM
My 40 gal has been set up about a month (cycled with bio-spira), I've had most of the snails about that long, a couple of larger ones for 2 weeks. 40lbs of live rock. I feed frozen mysis or squid, spirulina or marine algae. The smaller snails seem to be dying over the last week or so. A couple I've found jammed in between the rocks, and 4 of them I've just found empy shells. Once I found a hermit crab on a snail, looks like he trying to eat the snail. I pulled them apart and that snail is still alive. My levels are good except for my nitrates, which over around 5 or 10.
I bought a horseshoe crab about 2 weeks ago. Could he be killing my snails?
Hermit crabs have been known to kill snails for shells, thats why you should have some extra shells, Snail are very subseptable to salinity influx's and high nirtates and any touches of amonia, your nitrates of 10 is ok and well within safety levels. ALSO your horseshoe crab needs a giant tank like 150/at least with tons of live sand and walking room, these guys walk all day long and get huge and will soon outgrow your tank, these are on the list of "not really suitable for home aquarium list" not flaming just passing info.

 

[karenm]

So if I drop some empty shells in there the hermits should leave the snails alone?
About the horseshoe - thanks, I didn't know that. But I should have figured it. The LFS clerk that sold me the horseshow is the exact person that sold me the tank. And the same person that told me a hippo tang would be a good choice because they stay small.

Looks like I'll be trying to find this little guy a new home soon. he's just slightly larger than a quarter. How long do you think I can keep him? He's so interesting to watch.

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by KarenM
So if I drop some empty shells in there the hermits should leave the snails alone?
About the horseshoe - thanks, I didn't know that. But I should have figured it. The LFS clerk that sold me the horseshow is the exact person that sold me the tank. And the same person that told me a hippo tang would be a good choice because they stay small.

Looks like I'll be trying to find this little guy a new home soon. he's just slightly larger than a quarter. How long do you think I can keep him? He's so interesting to watch.
Hi Karen, snails die on everybody here, sometimes there are no explanations, slow acclimation is avery big key as well,, the additional shells should help as well, it will avoid crab fights and snail murders as well. As you know from reading here no TANGS in less than a 120g 4 ft long, it seems like length is more important than height due to all tangs are life long swimmers, you will see many people here with tangs in much smaller tanks but it is not advised and highly frowned upon. As far as the horsehoe goes, i would hate to think that your L.F.S is in it for the profit, I hope not. Lets look at it as an oversight. These grow like over a foot in length. ALSO due your own research to be an informed consumer prior to purchasing so you dont purchase something to get attached to it and then be very sad in having to give it back. Good Luck!

 

[karenm]

I already knew about the tangs (from reading it here) and I was really surprised when I asked her to point out some fish that would be qood for my tank and she mentioned the hippo. I've done alot of research on fish (I can only get 2 more smaller ones as I already have a blenny and a wrasse). We stop by different LFS a couple times a week, I read the boards every day, and my 12 yr old searches the net every night. 3 weeks later, we still haven't decided which 2 to get! When you're as limited as we are, you have to be darn sure of what you want. :0)
The horseshoe wan't an impulse buy, but I admit I didn't reasearch it. I just took the LFS's word that it was OK. I should have known better after the Tang Incident.

So, should I try to trade him right away, or can we keep in while?

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by KarenM
I already knew about the tangs (from reading it here) and I was really surprised when I asked her to point out some fish that would be qood for my tank and she mentioned the hippo. I've done alot of research on fish (I can only get 2 more smaller ones as I already have a blenny and a wrasse). We stop by different LFS a couple times a week, I read the boards every day, and my 12 yr old searches the net every night. 3 weeks later, we still haven't decided which 2 to get! When you're as limited as we are, you have to be darn sure of what you want. :0)
The horseshoe wan't an impulse buy, but I admit I didn't reasearch it. I just took the LFS's word that it was OK. I should have known better after the Tang Incident.

So, should I try to trade him right away, or can we keep in while?
You can see with your own eyes, your guy is nonstop walking around and IM sure that hes bumping into the walls all day long, then he will probably start to flail around swimming even upside down, RIGHT? Its really up to you. But let you better side come out and make your own decision.

 

[karenm]

That's what he does! And that's why he's so interesting, all the swimming upside down and such. The LFS said that's just what they do. Well, I suppose I'll start looking to rehome him. Thanks for the info.

 

[anmldr]

Horseshoe crabs in the wild can get very large. I have seen one that is about 12" in diameter. They are amazing creatures. I never knew they actually could sell those for the home aquarium. I went to the islands over the holiday weekend 2 weeks ago and we found one in the water about 7 inches in diam. with barnacles all over its shell. I do recommend you find him another home as soon as possible. Good luck with it.

 

[airplaneboy02]

Hey- I have a friend who would like to purchase some snails for a 25 gallon invertebrate only tank. Any recommendations?