1-2 snails require a minimum tank size of 3 gallons 3-5 snails require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons 6-9 snails require a minimum tank size of 15 gallons 10-19 snails require a minimum tank size of 20 gallons 20-50 snails require a minimum tank size of 40 gallons If you plan on breeding, consider buying a tank of 150L (40 Gallons) or more.

If you don’t know the quality of your water at home, you can use an ammonia/nitrate kit and/or liquid pH kit to determine levels. The ideal pH level for snails is 7. 0 to 7. 5. When the tank is half full add your substrate, decorations, and plants.

Stay clear of painted stones. Often these are coated in harmful paints that will start to flake after only a few months. Avoid choosing red or orange natural stones, as they may contain copper, which is toxic to snails. Always rinse new gravel/pebbles before adding them to the tank.

Use only decorations that are intended for aquarium use. Always rinse your new decorations in water before adding them to the aquarium. Keep in mind that your snails like to hide. Make sure they can’t get stuck inside decorations. There is nothing wrong with your snails eating your aquatic plants. It is natural and it makes them happy.

Internal filters. HOB filter. Canister filters. Sponge filter Under-gravel filters (which also requires an air pump and air stones). If you have an internal or HOB filter, make sure to add filter fiber, bio media and filter sponge along with the carbon cartridge or you can have the filter fiber, bio media, filter sponge without the carbon. Carbon is only really needed if you are wanting to remove medicine from the water. Never replace the sponge, fiber, and bio media. If it’s getting really gross, gently wash it in old tank water that is dechlorinated. Make sure the sponge, bio media, and fiber never dry out. Your filter and heater should be running 24/7.

If for some reason you test ammonia that is higher than 0 and/or nitrate higher than 20, do a water change ASAP. Keep this in mind before purchasing snails.

To test pH, use a liquid pH test kit. (test strips are not as reliable. ) Follow the instructions included with the kit to test the water. Snails like Alkaline water between 7-8. You can alter the pH of your tank by adding certain plants, or using a pH regulator. To test ammonia/nitrate levels use a ammonia/nitrate test kit. You want ammonia levels of 0 and nitrate levels of 5-20. You can bring down this level by doing big, frequent water changes. Replace 50% of the water in your tank twice a week. This is very important as mystery snails have a huge bioload and an ammonia spike can occur if too much poop or stays in the tank for too long. Using a siphon to clean your tank is highly recommended. Keep your water temperature between 24-30 degrees C (75-86 F). If you keep your home between these temperatures, your fish tank should be OK. Just be sure to monitor the temp.

Start by adding a small amount of blanched veggies each morning, and gauge how quickly your snails can finish them. Add a bit more or less until you can see that all food is being consumed within a few hours. Remove whatever isn’t eaten from the tank within a few hours. The snails do not need any other source of food. Algae wafers are a good food too but shouldn’t be living on just that.

Try to add a calcium source one per week. These items can purchased at most pet stores or online. Irregular shell growth or shell spots could be a sign that your snails need more calcium.

Check your water quality Ensure that your snails are getting enough calcium Look for white spots on the snail’s skin

If you unsure about a certain fish, make sure to do some research. Pet stores aren’t always accurate on pet keeping information so you should make sure they are compatible than adding them because the pet store said so. Mystery snails are good tank cleaners and co-exist well with many aquatic species. But, they don’t eat as much algae as you think. They actually can make a worse mess than before adding them if you don’t clean the water. Make sure to siphon in the gravel, that is where most of the poop will be. Mystery snails have huge bioloads, please keep that in mind.