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Post by Rachel on Aug 9, 2005 12:26:01 GMT -5
Has anyone had Malaysian Trumpet Snails (MTS) before?
If so, how did you like them?
I'm looking to get a few in the near future here. They seem like a great snail for planted tanks. The snails aerate your substrate, help control algae, and are one of the few types that don't munch on live plants.
They are also said to do well in a sand substrate, which is what I currently have. MTS are nocturnal so they burrow down in the substrate during the day, then come out at night to eat.
The only downfall that I hear about is that they tend to reproduce quickly, especially in warmer temps. MTS are live-bearing so instead of laying eggs like most snails, the babies are born live.
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Post by teresa on Aug 9, 2005 15:07:48 GMT -5
do you have a pic or a link about these snails? I have never had them, but I think I want to check these guys out. Sounds like they might be perfect for my betta tanks \  / |
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Post by Rachel on Aug 9, 2005 20:34:44 GMT -5
do you have a pic or a link about these snails? I have never had them, but I think I want to check these guys out. Sounds like they might be perfect for my betta tanks \ / Sure! This site gives a brief overview of them: Aqualand Pets Plus...You can find more technical articles if you search with the scientific name Melanoides tuberculata. I'm planning to put them in my divided betta tank and maybe my ghost shrimp tank. We'll see how it goes.  The next thing is just finding them. Most pet stores apparently don't sell them, although sometimes they may come along when you purchase live plants. I'm probably going to buy mine online. |
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Post by teresa on Aug 10, 2005 10:48:36 GMT -5
Thankyou for the site! I checked it out and if I can find some I am going to put them in our 35 gal and my divided 10gal too...i don't know if such good breeders would be good in a 5.5gal..what do you think? ;D
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Post by twoluvcats on Aug 11, 2005 10:15:45 GMT -5
wow, thanks for pointing these guys out rachel! I've been using apple snails, but they are short lived in warm tanks and seem to create more mess than clean it up. I might be looking into these as well, especially if they stir sand |
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Post by Rachel on Aug 11, 2005 11:23:52 GMT -5
Thankyou for the site! I checked it out and if I can find some I am going to put them in our 35 gal and my divided 10gal too...i don't know if such good breeders would be good in a 5.5gal..what do you think? ;D I'm going to try a very small number in my 5.5g and see how it works out. I guess you don't usually see how many you have unless you shine a light on the tank a few hours after the lights are out. The snails are a good indicator of water quality too. They say if you see them on the walls, etc. during the day you need to improve your water conditions. Otherwise it sounds like you just see your substrate "crawling" if you have a lot of them. wow, thanks for pointing these guys out rachel! I've been using apple snails, but they are short lived in warm tanks and seem to create more mess than clean it up. I might be looking into these as well, especially if they stir sand I know, they sound just about perfect as long as you don’t end up with too many! |
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Post by twoluvcats on Aug 12, 2005 12:50:13 GMT -5
I'm so impulsive LOL I got some off aquabid today...should be here early next week. They are just too perfect for sand-bottomed tanks! I'm going to stick them in my 10g and 5g guppy tanks for sure.
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Post by Rachel on Aug 15, 2005 11:30:47 GMT -5
I'm so impulsive LOL I got some off aquabid today...should be here early next week. They are just too perfect for sand-bottomed tanks! I'm going to stick them in my 10g and 5g guppy tanks for sure. Ooh, how exciting! I have some arriving this week as well. I'd be interested to know how they work out for your tanks and what you think of them. |
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Post by twoluvcats on Oct 18, 2005 10:18:10 GMT -5
so...Rachel...did you end up getting any? I did, I REALLY like them so far. They are not messy, leave plants alone, but they eat algae like gangbusters!! I've been really impressed so far. they do breed kinda quickly, but at least your tank only looks 'infested' at night HEHE During the day I only ever see one or 2. I can tell they are stiring up my sand, and I truly think my plant growth has improved because of root earation from them.
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Post by Rachel on Oct 18, 2005 16:14:15 GMT -5
so...Rachel...did you end up getting any? I did and I absolutely love them!! ;D Like you mentioned they have not even touched my live plants and have been helping to control algae in my tank that is having a problem with it. They're perfect for my betta tanks, as the bettas don't even notice or mess with them. I only started off with about 10 adult snails split up into two tanks and they haven't been multiplying too fast, although at night I have spotted some tiny babies on the glass recently. And much like you, I hardly ever see any during the day so I guess it's hard to say exactly how many I have at this point. In the tank they're in with sand I can definitely tell they're aerating it as they move around as you can see the little trails in it. Come to think of it, my plants in there are starting to improve in growth, but that could be for a few different reasons as it's a newly established tank. I'm definitely pleased that I stumbled across them in my search for snails. I'm glad you like them too! For anyone else looking for the perfect snail for planted tanks, Trumpet Snails are a great way to go. They are ideal for sand, although they seem to be doing just as well in another tank of mine with a slightly larger, rocky-type substrate. |
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