Considering snails - advice needed

[VJ]

Hi,

Hoping someone can point me in the direction I need to be looking at.

The tank I will have available is a 45x45x45 exo terra glass vivarium. I'd like if possible a fairly busy tank with plenty of snails. What species should I be looking at? Can live plants be successfully kept or does it depend on species?

Thanks in advance!

[ade2009]

Hi
One of my tanks is the same as the one you now have. Firstly live plants are definately a possibility just check that what you have isnt poisonous to snails ( you should find a list somewhere on the forum ) .

The main problem i found with the exo terra is the inability to keep it very humid ( the mesh at the top etc ) ( i know someone else on the forum also had this problem )you can cover this with some type of plastic but that makes the tank look a little untidy, if that doesnt matter then use some cling film etc and poke some holes in it. Hence if you dont want the cling film or untidiness you will probably be better of with snails that dont need it very humid.
I found my reticulata did great in the exo terra whilst my tigers didnt fare so well. I had six reticulata in the tank all with a shell size of around 8 - 9 cm and they were very happy and had lots of room.

For me personally these are the most "busy" snails i have, motoring around the tank day and night, most my other snails are active only after 10 - 11pm.You can find the albino variety of reticulata on ebay, marginata are also a beautiful snail but my experience is they tend to be out in the very early hours of the morning. Some here may have different experiences and preference to other snails, but i will probably purchase another four or six retics myself this weekend ( they are also not fussy eaters in the slightest, bear this in mind because some snails can be quite awkward to please ( megalobulimus etc ).
Hope this help a little
All the best
Ade

[VJ]

Thank you for the reply. I use acrylic inserts to cover the mesh on exo terra tanks, they don't look unsightly and work a treat

I can't see any reticulata on ebay? I've seen some rather nice Achatina fulica albino, do you have experience of those?

[ade2009]

Hi Vj,
of all the snails i have i dont have the regular achatina fulica, you could try bristol inverts www.bristolinverts.co.uk emma has quite a few snails for sale at the moment from albopicta to pleurondonte ( hope i spelled that correctly lol ), or i may know a guy who has four albino retics ( sub adult ) for sale for a very good price, also try an advert in the classified section on the forum.

i know that achatina fulica are not too picky about their food though ( which is always a plus ).
You should find some great photos on the forum of various snails, see what you belive suits you and then post a few questions about them im sure you will get quick replies.

All the very best
Ade

[VJ]

What's the average adult size for a Achatina reticulata?