Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping => Invertebrates - Shrimps and Snails => Topic started by: fcmf on November 16, 2018, 08:13:40 PM

Title: Suitable-sized tank for snails & shrimps
Post by: fcmf on November 16, 2018, 08:13:40 PM
A friend ;) is contemplating setting up a tank for snails and shrimps but has very limited / no space and limited finances.  I'm trying to help her out and have advised her on a tight-fitting lid being paramount.  However, not being experienced at keeping snails on their own or indeed shrimps at all, I'm wondering what others' views are on the following tanks - would any of them be fit-for-purpose?  Any other suggestions?  It's possible that the snails might be re-housed from a 54-litre tank - is it likely that they would be perturbed at the considerable downsize in habitat or not at all?

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/product/aqua-range-aqua-expert-20-aquarium
https://www.rocketaquatics.co.uk/SuperFish-Cascade-4-Aquarium.html
https://www.completeaquatics.co.uk/aquarium-accessories/aquarium-tanks-and-cabinets/aquavue-380-aquarium-set-28l
https://www.completeaquatics.co.uk/aquarium-accessories/aquarium-tanks-and-cabinets/32-ecostyle-14l-black

Any help gratefully appreciated; many thanks.
Title: Re: Suitable-sized tank for snails & shrimps
Post by: Littlefish on November 16, 2018, 08:36:13 PM
I don't have a lot of experience with snails and shrimp, as my snails are on assassins, ans my shrimp are all amanos. I've had a quick look at some other sites, and so far they've all said that the minimum tank size would be 20L.
As you have already advised your friend  ;) on the requirements for a tight-fitting lid, I'd say the tanks are appropriate.
I can't imagine that a snail, for example a nerite (just a wild shot in the dark), would be bothered about moving to a smaller tank.
Obviously @Sue has a great track record with keeping nerites, so I'd suggest that "your friend" go with whatever Sue suggests.  :)
Title: Re: Suitable-sized tank for snails & shrimps
Post by: Sue on November 16, 2018, 09:20:39 PM
I would suggest two nerite in 20 litres. They are smaller than apple snails and it is said about them that it's 1 apple snail per 5 gallons - that's 19 litres. Or one of the larger nerite species plus two of the smaller nerites.
My betta's tank is 26 litres and he usually shares that with one of the smaller nerites, and currently a few cherry shrimps. [Because I've been medicating the tank the nerite is in the main tank at the moment]. If 1 betta plus 1 nerite is fine, 2 nerites should also be fine.
The main thing about nerites is that the tank should grow algae to feed them. Maybe allow some sunlight (when we have any) to fall on the tank? Or a jar of rocks on a bright window sill growing algae to put in the tank in rotation.

Don't forget to let your friend  ;) have some mature media to seed the snail tank.
Title: Re: Suitable-sized tank for snails & shrimps
Post by: Matt on November 16, 2018, 09:32:46 PM
This all makes a lot of sense to me. I have 2 very small horned netries in a 12 litre currently. They produce a whopping amount of waste! This may be something your friend (otherwise known as you  ;)) has to contend with going forwards.

As for tanks... Fluval edge (23l) and Fluval flex (34l) are both gorgeous looking tanks with some good deals on them at the moment...
Title: Re: Suitable-sized tank for snails & shrimps
Post by: fcmf on November 16, 2018, 10:34:43 PM
Thanks. The snails that "the friend" is planning to re-house are standard sized nerites - one produces an enormous amount of waste due to it having a fondess for wood, while the other produces comparatively much less; it's actually the former one that has prompted several water changes per week to address this, so I expect this will necessitate even more frequent changes in the new tank, if indeed this plan goes ahead.

Am I correct, @Matt, in my thoughts that the Fluval Edge doesn't have a close-fitting lid?
Title: Re: Suitable-sized tank for snails & shrimps
Post by: Matt on November 16, 2018, 10:44:40 PM
Hmmm, I'm not assure to be fair, just an assumption on my part there perhaps... ill do some googling
Title: Re: Suitable-sized tank for snails & shrimps
Post by: Matt on November 16, 2018, 10:50:03 PM
This guy takes the lid off at about 1:25

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UVlYiVx8gPI (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UVlYiVx8gPI)
Title: Re: Suitable-sized tank for snails & shrimps
Post by: TopCookie on November 16, 2018, 11:34:41 PM
What a brill notion...!!!  I wouldn't mind a snails & shrimps only tank...!!!  The Red Nerites are now laying eggs like they're facing a snail apocalypse or something, lol, so wouldn't mind getting them out from the main tank...!!!  A smaller tank up in the old Cookmeister's office would actually be a treat...  :D
Title: Re: Suitable-sized tank for snails & shrimps
Post by: Matt on November 16, 2018, 11:38:45 PM
Their breeding activity slows down significantly in colder temps too... my nano with them in is coldwater.