Red Ramshorns depriving P. Bridgesiis of food?

[CACAdmin]

Something interesting occurred in my snail/fry tank. At the time it housed platy fry, P. Bridgesii snails and Red Ramshorn snails. Originally there were just a couple of red rams and lots of Brigs and platys. All was well. However, as the red rams multiplied, I started losing some Brigs :( . (This was despite the fact that the water parameters remained the same and the # of other occupants of the tank were reduced significantly.) I wondered if the Brigs were getting enough to eat and so upped their food especially dropping it in just before the lights went out. However, the rams continued to multiply (eventually to an excessive number) and I was still losing Brigs.

I began to wonder if the Rams were eating up most of the 'snail food' I was feeding and available algae . So, I removed most of the rams and haven't lost a Brig since (despite the ever increasing # of fry in the tank).

I was wondering if anyone has any insight or has had any similar experiences.

[Melody]

I have found that Brig's will out-compete pond snails / Ramshorns for food to a point where I rarely see them, even though I bring them in regularly on plants. I have to limit the Brigs in my Ram tanks.

Ramshorns will, in my experience, drive Brig's nuts though, so they may be stressing them. They like to gnaw on their shells for starters, and are just incessantly crawling all over them. I have also heard that they'll get under the Brig shells and damage them, but I've never seen that.

[CACAdmin]

I still have a few ramshorns in all tanks but minimal numbers and all the Brigs seem to be doing fine. The rest of the rams have their own tank... probably best for everyone.;)

[blainep]

Ramshorns will, in my experience, drive Brig's nuts though, so they may be stressing them. They like to gnaw on their shells for starters, and are just incessantly crawling all over them. I have also heard that they'll get under the Brig shells and damage them, but I've never seen that.

I've seen the rams annoying my Canas. They get right under their shell and chew on them :Eek: .

Any hint of a Ramshorn in the Cana tank and out it comes !

Physa (Spelling ?) snails climb all over them also, so out they come !

Although, the Canas like to climb all over each other as well, shortly after feeding time, I'll find a 'pile' of Canas on the food. :laugh:

[CACAdmin]

Although, the Canas like to climb all over each other as well, shortly after feeding time, I'll find a 'pile' of Canas on the food. :laugh:


Brigs are the same, always a pile of them on the food... I think it's their way of keeping the platys away so they get their fair share. ;)

[Melody]

I've seen the rams annoying my Canas. They get right under their shell and chew on them :Eek: .

Any hint of a Ramshorn in the Cana tank and out it comes !

Physa (Spelling ?) snails climb all over them also, so out they come !

Although, the Canas like to climb all over each other as well, shortly after feeding time, I'll find a 'pile' of Canas on the food. :laugh:

Aha - could be a size thing - more room under a Cana shell or it just doesn't happen as often in Brigs for some other reason. It could have been happening without my knowledge too of course. I know that Planaria will drive them NUTS going under their shell. They are constantly working trying to get them out.

Jay if you want to unload some Ramshorns and you're going to be in the area before the weekend, I can add them to the bag of snails for Mr. SB to pick up. His Puffers love them for tankmates ;) .

[CACAdmin]

Jay if you want to unload some Ramshorns and you're going to be in the area before the weekend, I can add them to the bag of snails for Mr. SB to pick up. His Puffers love them for tankmates ;) .

Absolutely! ... I'm sure his Puffers will be thrilled to dine on them. I'll PM you.