Does snails need to be QT?

karlyhui · 08/14/2007, 04:02 PM

Hi

I just brought 3 snails they are currently in a bucket.

I am not sure if they need to be QT. I have a hospital tank and and many med available.

I have primfix, melafix, marcy 2, anti parasite, antibacteria all available.

thank you

racrumrine · 08/14/2007, 04:27 PM

Most people don't QT snails; but, really careful people do. Once you get a pest or parasite in your main tank, it's hard to get rid of.

For that reason, using a QT is a really good idea.

Snails can carry parasites such as pyramid snails. Pyramid snails lay their eggs on the outside of bigger snails. The eggs look like clear bubbles.

I found a great picture of them on an astraea snail http://www.flickr.com/photos/daddydavid1/87176323/

The whitish bump to the right of the snail's foot looks a lot like one of their eggs. They like to lay them on the smooth underside of their host.

Often, the unsuspecting reefer will post the exciting news that their snail has babies! Unfortunately, when they submit a picture, they often find out they really have pyramid snails.

Certain species of pyramid snails will also attack clams.

I wouldn't medicate a snail. The most conservative thing to do would be to keep them in a QT for a few days to see how they are behaving and examine them closely for parasites.

What kind of snails are they?

Best of luck,

Roy

sufunk · 08/14/2007, 04:28 PM

Theoretically, they could bring some sort of parasite into your tank. I'm sure some people will say you should quarantine EVERYTHING before it goes into your tank just to be safe.

That being said, i have never qt'ed a snail. Come to think of it, i don't know if i have ever even heard of someone actually doing it.

Personally, i would just acclimate them and put them in your tank.

karlyhui · 08/14/2007, 11:09 PM

Hi, love this site, can get info so fast and quick.

thanks for the photo,

I will just observe them a few days, I am sure they don't have those babies on them. They are just Nassarius Snail.

I also brought a Heniochus Black and White Butterflyfish to go with my little clowns.

They are very neat.

thanks

08/14/2007, 04:02 PM	#1
karlyhui Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 157	Does snails need to be QT? Hi I just brought 3 snails they are currently in a bucket. I am not sure if they need to be QT. I have a hospital tank and and many med available. I have primfix, melafix, marcy 2, anti parasite, antibacteria all available. thank you

08/14/2007, 04:27 PM	#2
racrumrine Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Francisco Posts: 2,290	Most people don't QT snails; but, really careful people do. Once you get a pest or parasite in your main tank, it's hard to get rid of. For that reason, using a QT is a really good idea. Snails can carry parasites such as pyramid snails. Pyramid snails lay their eggs on the outside of bigger snails. The eggs look like clear bubbles. I found a great picture of them on an astraea snail http://www.flickr.com/photos/daddydavid1/87176323/ The whitish bump to the right of the snail's foot looks a lot like one of their eggs. They like to lay them on the smooth underside of their host. Often, the unsuspecting reefer will post the exciting news that their snail has babies! Unfortunately, when they submit a picture, they often find out they really have pyramid snails. Certain species of pyramid snails will also attack clams. I wouldn't medicate a snail. The most conservative thing to do would be to keep them in a QT for a few days to see how they are behaving and examine them closely for parasites. What kind of snails are they? Best of luck, Roy Last edited by racrumrine; 08/14/2007 at 04:33 PM.

08/14/2007, 04:28 PM	#3
sufunk Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Davie, Florida Posts: 2,004	Theoretically, they could bring some sort of parasite into your tank. I'm sure some people will say you should quarantine EVERYTHING before it goes into your tank just to be safe. That being said, i have never qt'ed a snail. Come to think of it, i don't know if i have ever even heard of someone actually doing it. Personally, i would just acclimate them and put them in your tank.

08/14/2007, 11:09 PM	#4
karlyhui Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 157	Hi, love this site, can get info so fast and quick. thanks for the photo, I will just observe them a few days, I am sure they don't have those babies on them. They are just Nassarius Snail. I also brought a Heniochus Black and White Butterflyfish to go with my little clowns. They are very neat. thanks