Snail care (not ones from the Garden!)

[dragonboy]

Hi, i dont have a BTS yet, and my parents are still deciding if i can get one, buti want to start breeding snails asap. I want to do aquatic snails from a pet store.
How should i make their setup? Should i do a little bit of water with food in it in a 10 gal tank with a screen?
N e tips or pointers will help

[Tattoo]

Check this site. It will tell you everything you need to know.

http://www.applesnail.net/

Good luck.

[dragonboy]

lol i forgot about this thread and posted in this one.....
So al lthey need is food , fresh water, and somewhat darkness, Right?

EDIT:oh how many should i start out wiht?(its gonna be awhile till i get my bluey) 5,10.15?>

[dragonboy]

does anyone sell snails around the US PA area.?

[aggiegirl]

Tattoo shared the best site you can find on this topic. I will tell you that I've been trying (unsuccessfully) to raise these guys for months. I've done just about everything that site recommends but just had my first clutch this week. So, give it a try but don't bet big bucks on it.
Some important things to know about apple snails:
1) Apple snails, unlike most snails, are not hermaphrodites. You must have both sexes in your tank if you want them to breed.
2) They poop alot. Regular tank maintenance and monitoring is important.
3) Apple snails will eat all plants in your tank. Adults will actually leave much of the algae. I use a veggie clip and they consume large quantities of fresh veggies---in addition to algae disks and sinking fish food.
4) They may become dormant. They look dead but if you can't pry open their shells and they don't stink (like something that has been dead for several years), they are probably OK but you might want to check your temps (or water quality.)
5) They get HUGE. I have one about the size of a small apple---thus, the name.
6) They are amazing to watch and they have beautiful eggs. If you bought them as feeders, they might become pets due to protesting kids.
7) It is illegal to sell them in some states. They are a potentially dangerous non-native species due to their impressive ability to consume plant matter.
When available/legal, they can be purchased from aquarium forums, petstores (sometimes as "mystery snails"), or from individuals on craigslist. I placed an ad on CL and a sweet lady gave me >12.
Hope this helps. I've probably left off something important but it is late and I am tired. PM me with any questions!

[Leigh]

All good Aggie,all I'd add is dechlorinate any water before you put the snails in

[dragonboy]

hmm ok, so i would have to clean the tank out often.... and they are not hemefrodites (sp?
Is there any aquatic ssnail taht produces a sexualy or is a hemefrodite?

[Leigh]

It depends how big it is,who ,many snails you have,and how good a filter you supply,as for what sort, go somewhere that sells fish and look in the tanks,any snails without a price tag should be free,ask if you can take them...