Blue Mystery Snail

[Tayles]

So, I bought a blue mystery snail 2 days ago and put him in my 29 gallon. The sign at the pet store said that he would eat algae wafers. But looking on the net I come to find out he needs more than just algae. Everything I found was very vague on the care of my new friend Chip (girlfriend named him that because the front of his shell is chipped). I know a lot of people keep snails and was wondering if any of you on here had any helpful hints and tips for me, on the care of my new addition. Thanks in advance.

 

[FroggyFox]

Apple snails are pretty easy Generally mine just clean up any leftover food, I'll toss them algae wafers once in awhile. But their diet gets varied by any leftover food they get ahold of. They love bloodworms and shrimp pellets too...so sometimes I'll just feed some extra and know the snail will get some.

 

[DclownD]

mine loves and i mean loves beta gold he used to come up to the top of the beta tank during feeding and get his share off the surface...

 

[Lotus]

Snails will eat almost any fish food. The other thing to remember is that most algae wafers contain a lot of stuff other than algae; the main ingredient is usually fish meal (which is what's in most fish food).

A varied diet of leftover fish food and algae wafers should keep your snails healthy.

 

[Tayles]

Thank you. I also read that they need calcium for their shells. Has anyone put any of that in their tank and do they really need a supplement of it?

 

[Lotus]

If you have reasonably hard water and only a few snails, and they're getting plenty of food, you probably don't need to add a supplement. If you see its shell coming in very pale, you may need to do something.

 

[Tayles]

Ok, thanks.

 

[DclownD]

yeah u know what i did when i saw pale shell? moved him to my 30g and now hes fine lol

 

[violettattoo]

To add calcium to my tank I use a cuttle bone (for birds generally). My snails love it, I just wedge it in an ornament.
By the way, do you have a picture of the snail? I had blue incas and am wondering if it's the same. Mine were black with a white/cream shell, which made them look blue.

 

[SANND]

At work I throw in a chewable calcium tab, Gary Festus like strawberry flavor. His shell growth since doing that has been a very pretty bright yellow.

I read that you could throw in egg shells somewhere so I'm trying that at home. They've only been in there a couple weeks so I don't know if it's working yet. The upside-down catfish like to hide in them tho so even if they don't help the snail they're still useful to somebody.

 

[Tayles]

Sorry, I haven't been on lately. I will try to get a pic of him when I can. He tends to hide in the back a lot, but will see what I can do. Thanks for all the helpful tips.

 

[DclownD]

man my snail has gotten HUGE

 

[Illyria]

Spinage also has Calcium, which is another way for Snails to get that nutrient. I usually chop mine up in a blender with my aquarium water and feed them that among other things.

 

[Tayles]

Here is the promised picture of my friend Chip, the blue mystery snail.