Snail Help...Why are they dieing?

jarice1978

jarice1978

Member
I have a problem. I have had a saltwater tank for about 4 years now. For the last year or so I have had problems keeping snails. All snails. I occasionally get a few that hang on for a while but most usually die.
As a result of my lack of snails, I have been unable to keep the algae under control so it grows and grows.
I have analyzed almost everything I can think of to pinpoint what is in my water that is causing problems. I have tested for PH, Calcium, Nitrates, Nitrites, Amonia, Alkilinity, Phosphates over and over again. All of these are fine.
Most recently I ordered 5 Mexican turbo snails from here. When I put them in they immedietly started to go to town. They were well on there way to cleaning up the place. They were even eating the big patches of hair algae that was getting out of control. But slowly they started to exibit the same behaviour as they always do....
Each day they become more and more lathargic and slow way down or become inactive. They then start to fall off of the glass or barely hang on. Eventually they fall off and don't even attempt to help themselves. Eventually the hermits get a hold of them and thats it.
So I need some help here. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF SNAIL DEATH? What have I not looked at? Is there something in the water that I have not tested for? Something in the algae they are eating? Temperature issues?
Throw me a bone

Thanks,
Adam
 
4

40 galons

Guest
i dont no the exact name of it but it is reffered to as "dinos" its brown looking stuff that will kill snails if they eat it , most of the time when iv ever seen it , it was always mixed in with green algae. Just a thought.
 
earlybird

earlybird

Active Member
I'm sure you have but have you tested the salinity? If so are you using a refractometer? If so have you calibrated it recently?
Could be something as simple as that. You mentioned temperature issues, do you have problems here?
 
jarice1978

jarice1978

Member
Salinity has always been pretty constant. The only change would be when the water needs topped off. It is a 60 gallon tank and I usually top off with 2 gallons, 3 at most.
I will have a look at the salinity when I get home but I usually check each time I do a water change.
As far as temperature...
I get flucuations from about 76 to as high as 83. I have read that this is acceptable and also read that it is not acceptable. Seems to be a argument on this forum.
Any other ideas?
Adam
 
earlybird

earlybird

Active Member
Temp shouldn't fluctuate. Sounds like you could go with another heater or a larger heater to keep your temp near its highest. I'd set it at 80 to prevent the swings. Not sure if that is the issue though.
Have you medicated your tank? Copper especially will kill snails. This is true on used tanks that had once been treated with copper. It's tough stuff to get rid of.
I would also look into your salinity. You'd be spinning your wheels if you are checking with a hydrometer. If you have a refracto, I'd re-calibrate it. Also, 2-3 gallon top off is quite large for a 60g I think. Try to top off more frequently or look into an auto top off system. Have you ever checked your salinity before topping off, it may be pretty high.
 
S

scoobs

Guest
hydrometer are very unreliable they will give false reads and get really out of whack. Refractometers is where it's at if you want to keep a reef tank you can afford to spend 40 bucks for one :)
 
nycbob

nycbob

Active Member
r u buying all of ur snails from the same place? that could be a problem too. i used to buy livestocks from lfs. but after 2-3 times, i realized things were always dying. another culprit could be acclimation.
 
earlybird

earlybird

Active Member
Originally Posted by nycbob
r u buying all of ur snails from the same place? that could be a problem too. i used to buy livestocks from lfs. but after 2-3 times, i realized things were always dying. another culprit could be acclimation.
Ding ding. Good call nycbob
I think this sounds the most reasonable.
 
ric maniac

ric maniac

Active Member
Originally Posted by earlybird
Ding ding. Good call nycbob
I think this sounds the most reasonable.
i agree
 
ophiura

ophiura

Active Member
I wouldn't rule out copper - you don't have any brass fittings in the tank, do you (in addition to adding it as medication). Do you use tapwater?
I would suggest you post ALL tank parameters to be sure.
 
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