Fulica and wet conditions

[sonicsnail]

After reading that fulica don't like very wet conditions I decided to see if this was the case with my snails. When I cleaned them out and put nice new fresh moss in. I let the moss absorb quite a bit of water before hand. To give an idea of how wet it is, if the moss is compressed down water can be seen, only about a few mm. Of course, the weight of my snails isn't going to make the water appear for they are not heavy enough but lets just say the moss is very wet.

I have noticed a few changes. Firstly, most of the snails seem to be much more active with the wetter conditions than the dryer and not so wet conditions before.

Secondly, I found that I don't need to spray the tank as often for the humidity is helped by the wet moss.

Thirdly, the only thing I have noticed is Stripe not eating as much as before and being the only one to be less active. This may be just because he is not well atm.

In conclusion, I would like to know what has happened here. If the theory is that fulica do not like wetter conditions then why have my snails become more active?

Thanks,

Sonic

[sonicsnail]

I would like to note that they have not become that much more active, but I'm sure there is a difference.

[Paul]

I don't know where this information about fulica liking it dryer comes from. I can only assume it is based on observations by owners historically but I've never seen any information specifically about relative humidity. Fulica are now found in West Africa, inhabiting areas near margies and tigers. The proof of that is that the authorities tried to encourage the locals to eat them over the indigenous species so they obviously thrive in really wet and warm conditions in the wild.

I personally think that all snails are at risk from bacterial infections in over-wet tanks and perhaps there is a difference between fulica and other species but I imagine it is slight. Fulica are one of the most adaptable species that we know of, because of their spread and success at establishing themselves in a wide variety of conditions from dryer than is perhaps ideal to wet.

I think wet tanks need airing out regularly to get air through and limit bacteria because air-flow is the one thing we lack in captivity. At the end of the day if your snails are happy then it's fine. I always try various conditions to see what they favour because it is so hard to compare your own conditions against anecdotal information that is vague.

[ian]

Ive noticed that my big adult fulica are active in both wet and dry conditions they enjoy a bath and maintain activity levels for a few days after the bath in dry conditions before i need to spray or anything.

The younger fulica (not tiny babies as ive not really examined their reactions to moisture yet.) are not only more active but grow quicker in wetter conditions. My young fulica live happily with immaculata and iredalei and thrive in the moisture levels i provide. Ive not tried them in with my margies that might be a bit too much for them.

[felix93]

I have a pretty big glass tank that have 3 albino margies and 6 fulicas in there. They are pretty happy living together. And the fulicas are a lot more active then the 2 tanks i just keep fulicas on their own. Def the shells of the fulicas grow faster too.

[ian]

Brilliant, when i get a tank big enough i might keep them together then.

[sonicsnail]

Thanks for the replies. I just wondered if this was an actual fact that fulica do not like very wet conditions. Like I said my fulica are doing great and most are growing well. So I guess if they are happy then that's all that matters. I set up this thread hear different opinions on this matter and if others find the same with their snails as I have found with mine. Thanks once again, if anyone else has anything else to add then please do so.

Sonic

[Deleted]

well my fulica dont like it REALLY wet. thats my experience. but i guess theyre all different ;D

[Val]

lotsofsnails said:

well my fulica dont like it REALLY wet. thats my experience. but i guess theyre all different ;D

Yes, this is my experience as well. I am not spraying as often as I did and I am keeping the tank warmer, the fulica are definitely eating more and are more active.

[sonicsnail]

So it looks like they are all different ...