Mystery Snail question

[Sweeda88]

Can I have a Mystery Snail without a planted tank? Just curious.

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Of course you can.

Just make sure to drop in algae wafers or boiled vegetables for him to eat :)

[Sweeda88]

Thanks! I'd really like one.

[fredythefish]

Originally Posted by dipsydoodlenoodle

Of course you can.

Just make sure to drop in algae wafers or boiled vegetables for him to eat :)

boiled vegetables? how does that work??

[Alex09]

I stick a few leaves of spinach in a cup of water and put it in the microwave. Then I drop it in the tank for my platies and cories... Raw veggies are usually too "tough".

[Cravenne]

Veggies are a good calcium source. Zucchini is great as well. I just nuke it until they sink. More nutrients are kept in. I've seen a lot of people stick a fork into the veggie and drop it in the tank raw..easy to remove that way.
My snails don't touch any veggies.. :S

Lots of calcium is important for thick shell growth. I use tums..just drop it in and they both are all over those. I've found the generic brands don't dissolve quickly so your water doesn't cloud up.
You can use cuttlebone as well. I just got some but haven't tried it yet. Apparently if you boil it, or soak it, it will sink.

They are messy creatures...I use a turkey baster to suck up the poop in between water change days. They tend to poop where they eat. If you put your food/tums in the same spot everytime, their mess is pretty easy to clean up.

Enjoy your snail!! I think they are super cute. :)

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

You can weigh your vegetables down in the tank too.

I used to use a plastic chop stick in my big tank but recently I've purchased a clip to see if it works better. The clip has a sucker on the back so it sticks to the side of the tank.

In my smaller tanks I weigh the vegetables down with plant weights.

Also if you get your snail, put in a bit of cuttle fish every now and again; it will help keep the shell nice and strong. Most people say their snails don't eat it but mine definately did. I just left it in a few days and then took it out again. I'm due to put it back in again soon actually.