Apple snails mysteriously dying...

[thegrandpoohbah]

Over the last couple weeks I have been losing P. bridgesii applesnails. I think the death toll is now at 4. They have been from two different tanks. There is no ammonia or nitrite and negligible nitrate levels. The pH, gH and kH are all fine. The shrimp have been fine as have the german rams from the other tank, both of which are also really sensitive to bad water conditions. I have no idea what is causing these deaths. Anyone (Melody?) have any thoughts? Thanks.

[CACAdmin]

How old would they be? I can't remember how long they live.

[Corbin]

:confused: possible chlorine??

[Melody]

I'm sorry to hear that. How are the Shrimp? Anything that would bug snails should bug Shrimp. Does your dechlorinator remove metals?

They live 2 years plus so it shouldn't be that.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Anything that would bug snails should bug Shrimp

That's what I thought too... The dechlorinator does not remove heavy metals. But if that was the cause then the shrimp would all be dead too. They are fine and are breeding again. Plus, I had my tap water tested for copper a while ago just in case the old pipes were leeching it into the water.

[CACAdmin]

Just a thought. Are there fish in the tank that might be bothering the snails so much that they are not coming out of their shells to eat?

[Melody]

That's what I thought too... The dechlorinator does not remove heavy metals. But if that was the cause then the shrimp would all be dead too. They are fine and are breeding again. Plus, I had my tap water tested for copper a while ago just in case the old pipes were leeching it into the water.

Chlorine levels are often increased in the Spring - you could try doubling up on it. I agree, if the Shrimp are fine then the snails should be fine in the environmental respect.

They do get diseases and parasites but if its in two tanks I can't see that being the prob, though I suppose its possible. Watch for swelling and make sure the 'trap door' (operculum) is the proper size - not shrunk. Any Planaria or Ramshorns in there? They can drive them to distraction.

[thegrandpoohbah]

None of my fish bother the snails. In the snail and shrimp tank there is a minor planaria outbreak but I seem to be getting it under control with water changes.

[Melody]

I had Planaria in one small tank once. The snails were constantly doing their wiggle thing to try to get the Planaria out from under their shells. I lost one and gave the other a dose of Praziquantel. She made it.

I dont' know if they're after eggs or what, but they slither under the shell and drive the snails nuts. I don't know if they bite the snail itself or just stress it out so much that they are more susceptible to disease.

Did they all start out in the tank with Planaria? Could it have transferred over with them?

Check the operculum for white patches - that's the only disease that I know of that kills snails in captivity with any regularity.

[mishakaal]

Check the operculum for white patches - that's the only disease that I know of that kills snails in captivity with any regularity.

Hi! Can you tell me more about that white patch disease?

[Melody]

Hi! Can you tell me more about that white patch disease?

:Welcome: I've never actually had the ailment in my tanks, so I'd just be parroting Applesnail.net to answer you. Have a look at their Diagnostic Tool (http://www.applesnail.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7330), which includes the white patch 'symptom'. :smile:

[BC Mosaic]

My apple snails all died within one week of getting them in my tank but not in my GF's tank.
4 of my cories also died at a rate of one every second day after getting the apple snails.
All the Otos are fine.
The red rams are mutiplying as are the MTS.
The water was perfect and still is.
The tank also holds a pair of Angels which, as a matter of fact, laid a whole bunch of eggs yesterday on an amazon plant leaf.
Go figure:confused:

[Melody]

I'm sorry to hear that. Applesnails don't pass disease to fish, so we can rule that one out, but they could have increased the bioload. The only thing I can possibly think of is metals or chlorine/chloramine spikes. Some fish/snails would be more sensitive to that than others. Maybe we should get after our water supply people & see what's up. Spring has them doing all sorts of things to our supplies. You can also try a dechlorinator that tackles metals and removes chloramines. Make sure it say 'removes' chloramines, not just 'treats' them.

I did my water changes over the weekend and one of the tanks instantly spiked (I have a permanent ammonia monitor). I did another waterchange with doubled dechlorinator and it was fine. We've also had reports of gassy water, so its something to consider anyway.

[BC Mosaic]

Thanks Melody,

But it'll always remain a mystery to me that will be retold countless times around the campfire.

Boo:wideeyed:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Melody]

ROFL I'm sensing that you were not emotionally attached to these snails.

Are we having roasted marshmallows? Because that's pretty much a necessity if I'm going to be in on this tale.:yes: