Is There Such Thing As Too Many Collonista Snails?

joeychitwood · 06/30/2006, 08:52 AM

A few months ago, I noticed what I thought were "baby" Turbo snails in my 54 gallon corner tank. I discovered after some research that they were Collonista snails. I now have several hundred of these little grazers in my tank. As soon as the lights go out, they cover the glass and rocks.

I know that Collonistas are generally considered to be a harmless, even helpful grazer, but is it possible to have too many of them? One thing I worry about is the bioload created when they die off.

theop · 06/30/2006, 08:57 AM

Why would they die off?

I think they will reproduce or not based on available food supply and will eventually reach a steady state. I wouldn't worry about having to many.

spoiledcats · 06/30/2006, 09:16 AM

When you can't see through the glass, you have too many.

joeychitwood · 06/30/2006, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by theop
Why would they die off?

I'm just speaking in terms of a natural life span. I don't know how long a Collonista snail typically lives, but with this many in the tank, I'd think that a few die almost every day.

06/30/2006, 08:52 AM	#1
joeychitwood Schrödinger's Mod Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,488	Is There Such Thing As Too Many Collonista Snails? A few months ago, I noticed what I thought were "baby" Turbo snails in my 54 gallon corner tank. I discovered after some research that they were Collonista snails. I now have several hundred of these little grazers in my tank. As soon as the lights go out, they cover the glass and rocks. I know that Collonistas are generally considered to be a harmless, even helpful grazer, but is it possible to have too many of them? One thing I worry about is the bioload created when they die off.

06/30/2006, 08:57 AM	#2
theop Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 1,493	Why would they die off? I think they will reproduce or not based on available food supply and will eventually reach a steady state. I wouldn't worry about having to many.

06/30/2006, 09:16 AM	#3
spoiledcats Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Lehigh Valley Posts: 622	When you can't see through the glass, you have too many.