So you’ve decided to add a black racer nerite snail to your aquarium? Excellent choice! Consider adding aquarium moss as well. These little snails are great for keeping the tank clean and free of algae. But before you add one to your tank, there are some things you should know. In this blog post, we will answer 10 of the most frequently asked questions about black racer nerite snails so you know everything you need to know before you go get one.
1. What do black racer nerite snails eat?
Nerite snails are mostly herbivorous, meaning they will consume algae and other plant matter like aquarium moss. They are not known to eat fish food or other things meant for your fish.
One of the reasons people like black racer snails is because of how much they help keep the tank clean. Algae can be a big problem in aquariums, but these little snails will help keep it under control.
That being said, nerite snails do need a calcium supplement in their diet to ensure they have strong shells. This can be provided in the form of crushed coral or limestone. You can also get special snail food that has calcium added to it.
2. How big do they get?
Black racer snails stay relatively small, only growing to be about an inch in length. This makes them a great option for smaller aquariums. Even though they are small, nerite snails still need a lot of space to move around and explore. They are very active little creatures and will often be seen out and about, crawling on the glass or rocks. Make sure your aquarium is big enough for them and has plenty of hiding places and plants like aquarium moss for them to explore.
3. Do they require a lot of maintenance?
These nerite snails are very low maintenance. They are not known to be particularly messy and do not produce a lot of waste. Because they are mostly herbivorous, black racer snails do not need to be fed as often as other aquarium inhabitants. Once a week feeding should be sufficient. They are great scavengers and feed on algae and other plant matter like aquarium moss.
4. What kind of water conditions do they need?
Nerite snails are very tolerant of different water conditions. They can live in both fresh and saltwater, although they are most commonly found in saltwater aquariums.
The ideal temperature for black racer nerite snails is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. They can live in a range of pH levels but prefer slightly alkaline water.
In terms of filtration, nerite snails do not require anything special. A standard aquarium filter will be sufficient.
5. Can I keep them with other types of snails?
Without clashing, different species of snails may coexist in the same environment. Black racer snails can be kept with other types of nerite snails, as well as some other species of snails.
However, it is not recommended to keep nerite snails with larger predatory snails, like the giant African land snail. These creatures could view the smaller nerite snail as food and pose a threat to their safety.
6. What kind of tank mates can I put them with?
Black racer nerite snails can be kept with the most peaceful fish species. Some good options include guppies, mollies, and platies. They can also be kept with other invertebrates, like shrimp and crayfish. Just avoid any tank mates that are known to be aggressive or have a reputation for eating smaller creatures. Snails are not known to bother other tank mates and mind their own business.
7. How many should I add to my aquarium?
The number of nerite snails you add to your aquarium will depend on the size of your tank. As a general rule of thumb, you can add one snail per gallon of water. Nerite snails are not known to reproduce in freshwater aquariums, so you won’t have to worry about them taking over your tank.
Where You Can Buy Quality Snails
If you’re looking to get some quality snails, I recommend checking out MicroAquaticShop.com.au They have a wide variety of Snails and other aquarium livestock. They are very reasonably priced, have flexible police and offer DOA guarantee so you can be sure that you’ll get a healthy snail.
Final Words
That concludes our list of FAQs about black racer nerite snails. These creatures make a great addition to any aquarium, big or small as long as there’s aquarium moss in your tank. They are low maintenance, helpful in keeping the tank clean, and add a bit of variety to your underwater ecosystem. Nerite snails are a great option for beginner aquarium enthusiasts and experienced hobbyists alike. We hope this article has helped you learn a little more about these fascinating creatures. Thanks for reading!