snails dying...why?

[EB847]

I have lost a couple dozen of 100 or so snails for unknown reasons. All parameters are excellent, no big swings in salinity, temp, etc.

Could it be lack of food?

Disease?

[masterqaz]

that is a good question. possibly a pred in the tank or not enough food.

[EB847]

all i have in there that i'm aware of are bristleworms (good kind). my two starfish are fine, but looks like my feather duster is gone too. what should i be looking for?

[Salty Brother]

it could possibly be lack of food, you could try putting in some of thoes algae discs and see if that helps.
Good Luck

[Sk8r]

I'd say starvation. Your filtration may be too efficient for the dusters. Try feeding phyto for the dusters and any extant sponges, and letting a little food hit the sand for the snails.

Your bacteria does the same sort of dieoff when food is short: it's just not as evident.

[TrojanScott]

What type of snails, and what is your temperature most of the time?

Some snails, (bubble and redfoot for example) don't do well in low 80 degree tanks.

[masterqaz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7706423#post7706423 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TrojanScott
What type of snails, and what is your temperature most of the time?

Some snails, (bubble and redfoot for example) don't do well in low 80 degree tanks. ya you prvide a good point, as i recall most of the snails we get in the industry dont handle warmer water> 80 degrees plus is generally pushing it for most of them.

[masterqaz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7706423#post7706423 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TrojanScott
What type of snails, and what is your temperature most of the time?

Some snails, (bubble and redfoot for example) don't do well in low 80 degree tanks. ya you prvide a good point, as i recale most of the snails we get in the industry dont handle warmer water 80 degrees plus is generally pushing it for most of them.

[EB847]

margarita and nassaurus. temp fluctuates between 79-82 at end of halide cycle.

[TrojanScott]

Nassarius should be fine in that temp range, but if I remember correctly, margaritas do not. I could be wrong though.

[betteroblivion]

lmao, want some of mine? I got 1000's (read my topic)

[hahnmeister]

Margaritas are sensitive to higher temps, and some astraes are too...depends on where they are collected from. Nassarius should be fine, as well as nerite, cerith, trochus, mexican turbo, bumble bee (avoid bumble bees anyways though, they are predators).

I would look for predators. Blue leg, Mexican Red Leg Hermits are nasty to snails if they feel there arent enough empty shells. Other species to watch out for... hungry nassarius, bumble-bee, hungry emerald crabs, other crabs, etc...