Is there a rule on how many snails should be kept?

[HavinPhun]

I have 8 or 9 snails(mostly turbos) in my 20h FO tank. I'm about to begin a reef in a 24g Nano. Should I leave out some of the snails or does in realy matter? I'm also putting in my lawnmower blenny, yellow tail dam, and false perc.

 

[Anonymous]

8 or 9 isn't too many IMO. I might even add a few more if it was my tank.

 

[ChrisRD]

If when you say "turbos" you're talking about Mexican Turbos (ie. Turbo fluctuosus) I'd say you have too many (they eat a LOT). If you're referring to one of the smaller snail species you should be fine.

 

[HavinPhun]

8 or 9 isn't too many IMO. I might even add a few more if it was my tank.

Is your picture of a fried chicken head? It always freaks me out.

 

[Anonymous]

8 or 9 isn't too many IMO. I might even add a few more if it was my tank.

Is your picture of a fried chicken head? It always freaks me out.

Yeah, someone found it in a box of takeout chicken. It seems to freak a lot of people out so eventually I guess I will switch to something easier on the eyes.

It just makes me hungry.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

I agree with minime. You need to add an assortment of different types of snails.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd put no more than half that many turbos in a 24g. Consider a few nassarius snails, as well.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd put no more than half that many turbos in a 24g. Consider a few nassarius snails, as well.

What he said, LOL. Different types of snails eat different types of algae so it does benefit you to have a variety of types in your tank. For instance the turbos seem to hang on the glass and the rocks, while the Nassaruis burrow in the sand.

 

[Anonymous]

Nassarius are the ish! I have turbos nassarius and a trochus snail in a 20 and the turbos are the large type...I have about 8 or 9 and they seem to be doing ok since most have been in there for months/year...But I wouldnt add that many at first since you probably wont have enough algae, or detritus to sustain that many snails..On top of that you have lawnmower blenny that will also compete...

 

[StiersM]

I have 3 nassarius, 3 mexican turbos and 3 bumblebee snails in my 29gal. I added them slowly in groups as the tank matured. They are a great clean up team. I think I may trade 2 of the turbos in as they are eating my coralline now. :roll:

 

[Bojangles]

I think I may trade 2 of the turbos in as they are eating my coralline now. :roll:

Mine did the same thing but otherwise kept the tank spotless

 

[romunov]

Bumblebee snails are actually predatory whelks that feed on animals in the sand...

 

[Jolieve]

That's a strange assesment, I've never seen either of my two bumblebee snails on the sand, ever. They are always hiding somewhere in the rock. Where did you find this info?

J.

 

[Anonymous]

Bumblebee snails are actually predatory whelks that feed on animals in the sand...

While Bumble Bee Snails (Pusiostoma sp.) are of the family Buccinidae the same family as whelks and they are omnivores they mainly feed on algae and detritus, however if underfed they will prey on amphipods, isopods and copepods.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[ricky1414]

Try to get a mixture of snails like others have said. A few (1 or 2) turbos, some cerinth, some nassarius, etc. I'd have like 8-10 in a 24 gallon.

By the by, do bumblebee snails eat zoas? I thought I saw one eating some of mine a while back. I have since passed him on to someone else.

 

[Anonymous]

By the by, do bumblebee snails eat zoas?

They are omnivorous, so yes they may eat corals if not provided with ample foods.

Regards,
David Mohr