Aquatic Snails......(in fishtank)

[angiebaby57]

Hi there. I am looking after a friend's fish...there were 15 of them plus a snail...it was supposed to be for a few weeks, well that was Nov 08 and they moved away and never came back for the fish!! My question is that the snail shell is now empty and there is no sign of the snail....where did he go and what happened to him? I have been left in the lurch and am doing my best to care for them but didn't want to replace the snail if I am doing something wrong!!

[B00]

Well it's my guess, that if Sammy the Snail isn't there, that he became lunch for the rest of the tank.

What fish have you got in there?

[angiebaby57]

Oh dear.......He was pretty big! There is a really big, pretty goldfish type thing in there with very pretty fins and tail (big and fluttery!) and about 5 much smaller assorted little fish...no idea what they are!? I keep them clean and fed but a lot (9) have died and so I'm not sure if its my fault! When they arrived they were filthy and the filter was a total and utter disgrace...I bought new stuff for the filter and chucked away all the rotten decorative stuff and replaced it. I have done my best by then but am concerned that they are dying because of something I am doing!! Shall I get another snail do you think??

[B00]

I'm not that experienced in snails, ok not at all, hate 'em personally, they give me the willies...lol So I honestly couldn't tell you if they really did eat him. However most fish, will eat anything if it dies in the tank, and if the snail definitely isn't there- that can only be the most logical answer.

Are your fish tropical or coldwater?

You say the tank was filthy, did you completely change the water?

To be on the safe side I'd take a sample of your tank water to your local fish place and ask them to test the PH for you.

[angiebaby57]

Thanks Boo...yes \i did change the water completely and I used the special drops from the shop to make tap water safe. Perhaps he did die and maybe they fall out of their shells or something! Its a cold water tank. I think I willl drop by our local garden centre where they have a shop dedicated to aquatic stuff! Thanks for trying to help! xxxx

[angiebaby57]

Well after a visit to the brilliant guys at my local aquatic shop I have discovered that the snail will have died, fallen out of its shell and become dinner for the rest of the tanks inhabitants! Also, the tank was probably overstocked and thats why the fish are dying one by one! Thanks Boo x

[B00]

Well least you now know what happened I guess :-)

How are you dealing with the overstock problem? Will they take some off your hands for you?

Whoever said keeping fish was relaxing- onviously lied. I've been keeping fish now for about 2 years and i'm sure i've aged 10 years fretting over the bloody things!

[angiebaby57]

They reckon that it will be okay now as so many have died! I also got pellets rather than flakes to feed them as they are better ?? I do like them but its stressful as they are not mine really....but saying that the people who asked me to look after them have not bothered to come and get them or enquire as to their welfare so I reckon I can class them as mine! At least I know that I have done my best to do the right thing by them and they look lovely and clean now! I bought some nice new accessories for the tank and a nice background for them! It has cost me over �80 so far but they are animals at the end of the day and I am too soft to let them suffer! Thanks so much for checking in again Boo. xxxxx

[Moonstone6]

I had some little "apple snails" i think their called and all three died not long after having them, one of them i hadnt seen for days, and when i cleaned them out i found him in amongst the rocks (dead) but he was still in his shell, but he smelt really bad. I'm glad i took him out when i did cos i recon all that ammonia prob would have killed off all the fish. Its what i thought yours might be dying from, but as he's not in his shell, maybe not?

Glad their all happy and healthy now thanks to your efforts! Well done you!