DC5 Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I was looking in my tank last night, which I actually don't do that often anymore, and I realized that I have lots and lots of empty snail shells and various fragments covering it. I never really paid much attention to that, but now that I think about it... Is it a good idea to leave these on the sand bed? Eventual logical thinking and common sense would dictate that detritus can get trapped in/under these things, and flow wouldn't be able to do anything about that seeing as the shells create blockages. Thoughts? Link to comment
Mariaface Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 You're right about them trapping detritus, but they also make good hiding places for pods and things. If you don't like the look of them, by all means remove them, but they're fine as they are. On the other hand, is there a reason why you're losing so many snails? I realized I was down to maybe four snails after four months of new live rock and a renewal from Reefcleaners, and only just last week managed to spot a tiny, adorable mantis shrimp hiding in my rockwork. I loaded up on snails again and haven't seen it since, probably won't for a while. I never heard any clicking or punching, either. Link to comment
DC5 Posted August 29, 2014 Author Share Posted August 29, 2014 I don't know why I lose snails like I do...the larger types seem to do fine and last quite a while, but the smaller ones don't make it. They probably get stuck in all of the other shells and die. Link to comment
jservedio Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 If you have hermits that aren't fully grown, having shells available on the sandbed means there is a good chance they will use an empty one instead of murdering a snail for a new home. Also, you don't really have to worry about smaller dead snails rotting in their shells since hermits make short work of dying, flipped over snails. They are opportunists, so if they can get a good new home without risking their life and exerting extra energy, they will take that option every time. Link to comment
FlowerMama Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 You're right about them trapping detritus, but they also make good hiding places for pods and things. If you don't like the look of them, by all means remove them, but they're fine as they are. On the other hand, is there a reason why you're losing so many snails? I realized I was down to maybe four snails after four months of new live rock and a renewal from Reefcleaners, and only just last week managed to spot a tiny, adorable mantis shrimp hiding in my rockwork. I loaded up on snails again and haven't seen it since, probably won't for a while. I never heard any clicking or punching, either. Oh cool, a baby mantis! You know I love those babies! You keeping him/her? Mine were .5 and .75 inches when I found mine. 10 mos later Gertie is now 1.5". Link to comment
Mariaface Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 Oh cool, a baby mantis! You know I love those babies! You keeping him/her? Mine were .5 and .75 inches when I found mine. 10 mos later Gertie is now 1.5". Yehp, I was that person freaking out on the mantis guide thread! Unfortunately, John from Reefcleaners sent me 275 dwarf ceriths -I counted- so I may not see the mantis for another four months. Link to comment
FlowerMama Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 Yehp, I was that person freaking out on the mantis guide thread! Unfortunately, John from Reefcleaners sent me 275 dwarf ceriths -I counted- so I may not see the mantis for another four months. ha, watch my latest video, I had to move my reefcleaners order into my mantis tank after I had to put a medicine for cyano and she found a dwarf and hit it once and hit with it. Link to comment
Mazzy21 Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 There's also something to be said for the type of snails you get. I now go with strictly nerites myself, but there's some personal preference involved. However, when I first set up my tank I went with a mixture of snails and some lived while others dropped liked flies. I looked up salt water snails, and, if the internet is to be belived, many of the snails sold in the saltwater hobby really don't do well in our tanks. They either like colder water temps or they don't acutally eat algea. Maybe look up the snails you're buying, see what their preferences are, and that could help guide you for which snails would be best for your set up. Link to comment
kimberbee Posted September 20, 2014 Share Posted September 20, 2014 If you have hermits that aren't fully grown, having shells available on the sandbed means there is a good chance they will use an empty one instead of murdering a snail for a new home. Also, you don't really have to worry about smaller dead snails rotting in their shells since hermits make short work of dying, flipped over snails. They are opportunists, so if they can get a good new home without risking their life and exerting extra energy, they will take that option every time. I have 14 hermits and at least 10 empty shells on my sand bed. This week some of my hermits ganged up on a snail and ate him up. One of the hermits took over the snail shell for less than a day before going back to his old home. Maybe the snail was sick and dying, maybe not. But I have a feeling that whatever home a hermit wants, he's gonna take. At least in my tank... Link to comment
Kijho Posted September 20, 2014 Share Posted September 20, 2014 I have empty shells and some crushed up shells for my pistol shrimp to use in his burrows Link to comment
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