How to Properly Take Care of Mystery Snails: A Comprehensive Guide

Mystery snails, also known as Ramshorn snails, are popular additions to freshwater aquariums due to their fascinating appearance and playful nature. But proper care is essential to ensure their health and longevity. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up a suitable tank, feeding, and maintaining the lives of these unique creatures.

Part 1: Setting Up the Tank

To provide a suitable habitat for mystery snails, it's important to create the right environment. Follow these steps to set up a tank:

1. Choose a Tank and Determine Size

Select a sturdy tank with a cover, as mystery snails are known to escape. Consider the number of snails you will be keeping, whether you plan to breed them, and the number of snails you anticipate having. Tanks should be at least:

3 gallons for 1-2 snails 10 gallons for 3-5 snails 15 gallons for 6-9 snails 20 gallons for 10-19 snails 40 gallons for 20-50 snails 150L (40 gallons) or more if you plan to breed

If your home temperature is within the range of 24-30°C (75-86°F), your aquarium should maintain a comfortable temperature. Otherwise, consider using a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

2. Prepare the Water

Start by filling the tank with clean, fresh water. The water should be around 24-30°C (75-86°F), with an ideal pH level of 7.0 to 7.5. You may need to use water conditioners, bio-starters, or water filters to ensure the water quality is appropriate. Alternatively, you can use dechlorinated bottled water from pet stores.

3. Add Substrate and Decorations

Snails prefer pebbles and gravel over sand. Use a smooth, textured substrate, no more than 5-8 cm (1.9-3.14 inches) thick. Do not use painted stones, as they may contain harmful chemicals. Rinse new gravel or pebbles before adding them to the tank. Include decorations and plants that are intended for aquarium use, rinsing them before adding to the tank. Ensure decorations provide hiding spots for the snails and do not have sharp edges.

4. Install a Filter and Allow Cycles

Select a filter and attach it to the tank, following the instructions included. Allow the filter to cycle for 4-8 weeks before introducing your snails. A cycled tank will have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and 5-20 nitrate levels. This process is crucial to ensure the health of your snails.

Part 2: Adding Snails to the Tank

After the tank is set up, you can introduce your snails. Follow these steps:

1. Check Water Conditions

Mystery snails require specific water conditions. Ensure your tank has the appropriate pH range (7.0-7.5) and stable temperatures (24-30°C or 75-86°F). Use liquid pH test kits and ammonia/nitrate test kits to monitor water quality. If levels are off, adjust them using pH regulators or water changes.

2. Prepare the Tank for Snails

Once you have established a safe environment, gently introduce your snails to the tank. Avoid feeding them immediately, as this allows them to acclimate to their new home.

Part 3: Providing Ongoing Care

Ensuring the long-term health of your mystery snails requires consistent care. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Feeding

Feeding mystery snails is simple, but it requires observation. Prepare a mix of blanched vegetables, such as shelled peas, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and iceberg lettuce. Add the vegetables to the tank in small quantities, adjusting to meet the snails' consumption rate. Remove any uneaten vegetables within a few hours to prevent water quality issues.

2. Calcium Sources

Mystery snails need additional calcium to maintain healthy shells. Add cuttlebone, shell grit, or calcium chips to the tank weekly. Irregular shell growth or shell spots may indicate a need for more calcium.

3. Monitoring Shell Health

Carefully observe your snails' shells for any signs of health issues. Discolored or irregular growth patterns can indicate problems. Maintain proper water quality, ensure adequate calcium intake, and check for white spots on the snail's skin.

4. Aquarium Companions

Not all fish are suitable tankmates for mystery snails. Avoid clown loaches, yo-yo loaches, dwarf checkered loaches, skunk botia fish, or catfish. Research any new additions to ensure compatibility.

Remember, mystery snails are great tank cleaners, but they can create more mess if not maintained properly. Regular siphoning of the gravel will help keep the tank clean and healthy. With the right care, your mystery snails will thrive and add joy to your aquarium.