Apple snails and copper pipes.

[copigeon]

This weekend I discovered that the introduction of copper piping is fatally effective to apple snails... giant rams, aquatic snails in general.

Which I should have already have twigged to, as medications with a copper content are lethal to shrimps.
I honestly didn’t think copper piping would leach so much copper considering that our water is tapped through it, but apparently so when the water is on a continuous filtering cycle through said piping.

A note to anyone who would use copper near snails. Do not.

On a side note does anyone know of anything commercially available that neutralises copper in water?

[Arno]

I guess when you get a build up of copper when you recycle the same water you'll reach a level which is going to be fatal to snails.

[section8angel]

Have a look on the water treatments for fish tanks. I haven't got one handy, but I know all of them take out some metals and other things, I just don't know which ones.

[copigeon]

I'll have a browse tomorrow, more for aiding reduction of toxic shock for survivors, they seem to be picking up but, would be nice to have something handy.

[Deleted]

from applesnail.net -

Warning! If the tap-water in your area contains copper and/or other metals, use one of these water preparation products that catch away those metals bofere putting the snail in the water. Apple snails are very sensitive for these compounds (especially copper). You won't be the first one loosing a snail due to this snail-toxic substances in the water. If you see that the snails become completely inactive or if the snails, especially the little ones, try to leave the water after a water change: get a product to treat the water (like aquasafe or for those with access to a lab: use EDTA or something similar).

[Emma]

Oops..

how are the survivers doing? what a nightmare Apple snails are extremlyvulnerable to chemicals unfortunately. When my fish had white spot i had to remove all the snails from the tank cuz the medication is copper based :S

[section8angel]

That's why I don't want any apple snails until I have a tank just for them. My fish rarely get sick (with something I can treat anyway) but I don't want to risk it just incase as I have no where to put the snails if I had to use a treatment!

[copigeon]

Theyre doing ok lost 5 bigguns out of 50, about a 5th of my 10mm, just irritated I didnt consider copper piping as an issue before I constructed the sump system, am in the process of stripping it out for plastic atm.

Just have to replace some light/dark foot purples.