Mystery snails are popular freshwater snails to keep as pets. However, for those who experience mystery snails for the first time, the question always arises: Do mystery snails need a heater? In this article, Aquatic 247 will help you answer all your questions about how to care for and maintain healthy snails.
General introduction to mystery snails
Mystery snails originate in the Amazon River basin of South America, which is home to several tropical fish and invertebrates. More specifically, the strange snail species has been observed in Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia. Because of their growth, these snails have spread as an invasive species throughout southern North America, from Central America to Florida in the United States.
It’s worth noting that these snails are commonly located in harder, cooler waters. This is a key factor to consider when introducing them to your freshwater aquarium.
Do mystery snails need a heater?
Depending on where you live, a heater may be needed to raise mystery snails. The water temp for mystery snails is 68–82°F, with a pH of at least 7.2 and a GH above 150 ppm (or 8 degrees).
This means that as long as your tank is in a fairly warm room, additional heating is not necessary and you can simply monitor the water temperature with a reliable thermometer.
However, if your area drops below 70F, consider adding a heater to the aquarium to improve the water temperature for mystery snails, and help snails enjoy their environment.
Do mystery snails need a filter?
Besides the mystery snail water temp needing to be kept warm, the filter is also quite important. Mystery snails need an aquarium filter to keep the water in good condition. Without filter:
- Oxygen concentration will decrease
- Ammonia concentration will increase
From there, an unhealthy environment will appear for your pet.
At the same time, if you find your mystery snail floating for long periods of time, breathing air from the surface, or trying to escape the tank. That means you need to filter the water to help them continue to grow.
Although, in some cases, mystery snails can survive for a while without a filter, it is much better if they have one.
What else do mystery snails need in their tanks?
Choose a substrate
Mystery snails prefer pebbles and gravel rather than sand. Choosing pebbles beauty, no sharp edges. And you avoid:
- Stay clear from painted stones. Typically, these are coated with hazardous paint and begin peeling off after only a few months.
- Avoid natural stones that have red and orange colors since they can contain copper, which is toxic to mystery snails.
- Always clear pebbles before adding to an aquarium.
Add plants and decorations
Plants provide oxygen for water and decor to help snails have a place of shelter. Remember, snails are very much like shelters, so make sure they can’t get stuck inside the decorations.
Tankmates for mystery snails
In general, mystery snails can be housed alongside most small aquatic livestock that are peaceful and thrive in community tanks. Suitable tankmates for the mystery snail include:
- Small shrimp
- Tetras
- Bettas
- Danios
- Mollies
- Guppies
- Platies
- Nerite snails
However, there are some fish that you should avoid, such as:
- Crayfish
- Pufferfish
- Loaches
- Crabs
- Goldfish
- Yo-yo loaches
- Drarf-checkered loaches
- Skunk botia fish
- Catfish
They will try to attack and harm your mystery snails. If you are unsure about any fish, make sure to do some research. Pet stores are not always accurate about pet adoption information, so you should make sure they are compatible rather than adding them because the pet store said so.
What are the issues to consider when raising mystery snails?
Although mystery snails are one of the easiest freshwater species to care for, there are still some problems you may encounter.
Irregular shell growth
For the most part, good water quality will help the shells grow healthy. At the same time, calcium is the most important vitamin for snails’ healthy shells.
If you see chipped or fractured shells, your snail may be having difficulty creating a healthy shell. Snails cling to their shells and need nutrients to sustain them. Calcium can be provided with high-quality food or snail-specific calcium bricks.
Overpopulation
Mystery snails are easy to breed and can quickly overtake freshwater tanks when parameters are met. Most hobbyists return their snails to local pet stores or to other hobbyists who have a predator tank to maintain them.
In conclusion
Do mystery snails need a heater? Mystery snails are easy pets to keep in aquariums but require a heater and filter to keep the tank warm and clean, providing them with the best oxygen source. Mystery snails can survive for an average of 2–3 years if they are properly cared for. You can keep secretive snails healthy and happy by carefully preparing your tank, adding snails to it, and providing basic care.
