Caring for Enigmatic Mystery Snails

Selecting the Tank Choose a sturdy tank with a secure cover to prevent snail escapes. Consider the number of snails you intend to keep and whether breeding is in your plans, as this will dictate the tank size required. Here are some recommendations:

• 1-2 snails: Minimum tank size of 3 gallons
• 3-5 snails: Minimum tank size of 10 gallons
• 6-9 snails: Minimum tank size of 15 gallons
• 10-19 snails: Minimum tank size of 20 gallons
• 20-50 snails: Minimum tank size of 40 gallons
• For breeding, opt for a tank of at least 150L (40 Gallons) or larger.

Fill the Tank with Water. Commence filling your tank with clean, fresh water. Aim for a temperature range of approximately 24-30 degrees Celsius (75-86 Fahrenheit). The water quality will dictate any necessary additives, such as bio-starters, beneficial bacteria, chlorine/heavy metal removers, or water conditioner. Alternatively, you can opt for bottled dechlorinated water available in many pet stores.

• If unsure about your home water quality, utilize an ammonia/nitrate kit and/or liquid pH kit to assess levels. The optimal pH for snails ranges from 7.0 to 7.5.
• Once the tank is half full, introduce substrate, decorations, and plants.

Select Appropriate Substrate. Snails typically prefer gravel or pebbles over sand. Choose smooth gravel substrate without sharp edges, covering the tank bottom to a depth of 5-8 cm (1.9-3.14 inches).

• Avoid painted stones, as they often contain harmful paints that flake over time.
• Avoid red or orange natural stones, which may contain toxic copper for snails.
• Rinse new gravel/pebbles thoroughly before adding to the tank.

Introduce Decorations and Plants. Select aquarium decorations and aquatic plants for the snails' tank. Plants oxygenate water and utilize snail waste, while decorations provide hiding spots.

• Use only decorations intended for aquariums.
• Rinse new decorations before adding them to the tank.
• Ensure decorations won't trap snails, as they enjoy hiding spots.
• It's natural and beneficial if snails nibble on aquatic plants.

Activate the Filter. Choose and install a suitable filter for your tank. Once water is in the tank, install and activate the chosen filter according to its instructions. Filter types include:

• Internal filters.
• HOB filters.
• Canister filters.
• Sponge filters.
• Under-gravel filters (require an air pump and air stones).
• For internal or HOB filters, include filter fiber, bio media, and filter sponge with or without carbon cartridges, depending on your needs. Carbon is only necessary for removing medication from water. Never replace the sponge, fiber, or bio media; instead, gently wash them in dechlorinated old tank water if dirty. Keep them moist, and ensure the filter and heater run continuously.

Wait for 4-8 Weeks. After setting up your tank and activating the filter, allow time for the filter cycle before adding snails. Cycling typically takes 4-8 weeks. Familiarize yourself with fishless cycling methods to avoid health issues in your snails. A cycled tank should register 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and nitrate levels between 5-20.

• If ammonia or nitrate levels exceed 0 and 20, respectively, perform a water change promptly. Consider this before purchasing snails.

Ensure Optimal Water Conditions. Maintaining suitable pH, ammonia/nitrite levels, and temperature is crucial for snail health. Once your tank is cycled, monitor these parameters weekly.

• Use a liquid pH test kit for accurate pH measurement (avoid test strips). Snails thrive in alkaline water with a pH of 7-8. Adjust pH with appropriate plants or pH regulators.
• Test ammonia/nitrate levels using a test kit, aiming for 0 ammonia and nitrate levels between 5-20. Perform substantial water changes to lower levels.
• Replace 50% of tank water twice weekly to manage snail bioload and prevent ammonia spikes. Regular tank cleaning with a siphon is recommended.
• Maintain water temperature between 24-30 degrees C (75-86 F), aligning with home temperature range while monitoring constantly.

Introduce Snails to Their New Habitat. Once water is fully cycled and parameters are within safe ranges, carefully acclimate your snails to their new environment. Gently transfer them from the pet store bag into the aquarium.

Delay Feeding. Allow approximately eight hours post-introduction before offering food to your snails. This gives them time to acclimate to their surroundings.

Offer Homemade Veggie Delights. To nourish your snails, prepare a medley of blanched vegetables. Blanching involves briefly immersing vegetables in boiling water. Snails particularly relish shelled peas, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and shredded or diced iceberg lettuce. After cooling, add the vegetables to your tank.

• Begin with a small portion of blanched veggies each morning, adjusting as needed until all food is consumed within a few hours.
• Remove any uneaten food from the tank promptly.
• Snails require no additional food sources besides algae wafers, although these shouldn't be their sole diet.

Enhance Water with Calcium. Mystery snails benefit from additional calcium in their water. Incorporate cuttlebone, shell grit, or calcium chips into their tank to boost calcium levels.

• Add a calcium source weekly.
• These items are available at most pet stores or online.
• Monitor for irregular shell growth or spots, indicating a need for more calcium.

Maintain Shell Health. Most snail health issues manifest in shell condition. If shells display unusual colors or patterns, seek veterinary advice and:

• Monitor water quality.
• Ensure adequate calcium intake.
• Check for white spots on the snail's skin.

Avoid Certain Tankmates. Some fish coexist peacefully with snails, while others pose a threat. Never introduce clown loaches, yo-yo loaches, dwarf checkered loaches, skunk botia fish, or catfish to a tank housing snails.

• Research fish compatibility thoroughly before adding them to the tank, as pet store advice may be inaccurate.
• Mystery snails serve as effective tank cleaners but require diligent maintenance due to their substantial bioload.

• Regularly assess water quality to prevent snail casualties.
• Most fish have an appetite for snails, so ensure they are fed in a secure location.
• Provide varied diet for your snails, including sinking algae wafers, shrimp pellets, frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables.

• Avoid introducing any metal objects into your tank, as they may contain copper, which is harmful to snails.