Journal NC AL’s First Planted Tank (8g AIO)

[JayP]

Just be aware, nerite snails don't tend to last long in co2 injected tanks. I've had a few make it beyond 4-5 months. But anything beyond that is lucky. They do a great job on algae while they last though.

 

[NC AL]

Just be aware, nerite snails don't tend to last long in co2 injected tanks. I've had a few make it beyond 4-5 months. But anything beyond that is lucky. They do a great job on algae while they last though.

Good to know. What would be your recommendation for other breeds?

 

[Koan]

Good to know. What would be your recommendation for other breeds?

Very few snails can tolerate pH below about 7.4 for more than a brief period during the day.

Calcium carbonate dissolves away below pH 7.4, and that's what their shells are made of. Basically they are straight up chalk

All Marine snails are like this, as
are Mystery snails, Rabbit snails etc .

Ramshorn snails have a large amount of chitin protein matrixed into their shell surface, which protects the calcium carbonate to a certain extent. So they are able to tolerate lower pH before their shells start to dissolve , maybe as low as 6.8 or 7. They come in a number of cool colors like pink, blue, striped.. And also multiply like tiny tiny bunnies

You can increase your KH by adding potassium carbonate or something, so that your lowest pH stays above 7.4 at the max CO2 you want to use, then nerite snails will be fine

 

[JayP]

Well, bladder snails are like aquarium cockroaches, they seem to live through everything. It doesn't take much overfeeding or algae for them to explode in population which is why most people see them as pests (me included). They're not super proficient in clearing algae because they're so small but they will help manage it if you don't mind seeing them all over the glass. Some people actually like them. Also, they are one of the big reasons people go for tissue culture plants. It's hard not to get non-tc plants that don't have bladder snails or eggs on them. my very first tank had an explosion of them and it took about a year to finally get them widdled down in population to the point I hardly see them anymore. I've been very diligent on making sure they don't get into my other tanks.

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

Well, bladder snails are like aquarium cockroaches, they seem to live through everything. It doesn't take much overfeeding or algae for them to explode in population which is why most people see them as pests (me included). They're not super proficient in clearing algae because they're so small but they will help manage it if you don't mind seeing them all over the glass. Some people actually like them. Also, they are one of the big reasons people go for tissue culture plants. It's hard not to get non-tc plants that don't have bladder snails or eggs on them. my very first tank had an explosion of them and it took about a year to finally get them widdled down in population to the point I hardly see them anymore. I've been very diligent on making sure they don't get into my other tanks.

Funny, I don’t have this experience. I’d surmise that reason is because most fish I keep are omnivores. I noticed the other day these little specs in my holding tank where I currently have my fish and plants on one side, and the pump on the other returning the the water. Upon close inspection I saw a ton of baby ramshorn snails. The other side, not one lol. I suspect my gudgeons because they hunt anything that moves, albeit slowly.

 

[Kwyet]

I think my Peppered Cory Cats are eating my ramshorn and pond snails too! My hillstream tank is a snail graveyard, even though I keep the gH and kH higher in that tank. I was really surprised.

 

[MrJG]

Tank is looking great and I’ve enjoyed seeing the iterations of plants, that’s half of thing is finding what fits and is maintainable. Dare I say it’s looking reef like?

 

[NC AL]

Tank is looking great and I’ve enjoyed seeing the iterations of plants, that’s half of thing is finding what fits and is maintainable. Dare I say it’s looking reef like?

Thanks. My main purpose for this tank was to see if I could grow plants and keep them alive, and not have a ton of nuisance algae.

It is looking reef like! The variety of colors isnt there, but I love having lots a little fish swimming around. This is something you can’t have in reef tanks unless you around 200+ gallons.