I'll soon be starting a 10-gallon aquarium with six mystery snails; no fish. I was told by someone that I'll need to use a 20-30 gallon filter because snails are messy. We currently have a 10-gallon filter. Any advice?
2007-01-31 02:54:32 · 5 answers · asked by Somebody 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Yeah, snails definitely are messy. They are helpful in that they eat uneaten food and other detritus before it can rot, but snails are little poop machines and they can foul up a tank that does not have adequate filtration.
You might be okay with your 10 gallon, but I would suggest an upgrade. I ALWAYS use filters stronger than I need because I don't think the rating on the box is accurate. I always go between 50% and 150% more powerful. So yeah, by all means, get a filter rated for 20-30 gallons. Even if your snails aren't all that messy, or if you end up not keeping the snails, a more powerful filter will esure cleaner, more oxygenated water.
2007-01-31 04:31:41 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I've never noted that snails are "messy". If anything they need less food than most fish. Remember that food ~= ammonia, and that's what a filter deals with. So as long as you aren't over feeding you'll be fine with a 10 gallon filter.
2007-01-31 11:14:09 · answer #2 · answered by Sabersquirrel 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Honestly, your 10 gallon filter should be fine. 6 snails will not produce the "waste" that 6 fish would. Just be sure you do your water changes, eventhough you have no fish, the tank still needs cleaned. Since your snails can survive in or out of the water, you will be fine.
2007-01-31 11:06:47 · answer #3 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Your filter will be fine. Snails aren't particularly messy critters.
2007-01-31 11:15:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
it should be fine, if you are able to change the settings from low to high, i would put it on high if you feel more comfortable.
2007-01-31 12:02:56 · answer #5 · answered by Baby J 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋