heaters & snails

[andycook]

I have heaters in my sump. I was thinking of getting some snails to help clean up the detritus that accumulates in the sump. Any thoughts on keeping the snails off the heaters? I assume they are too stupid to realize the heater is on. If I enclose the heaters then I reduce their efficiency. Thoughts?

 

[jrp1588]

My heater is in my display tank, and I have no issues with snails. I've never seen them on it, but they probably just close up and drop off when it turns on. Could be problematic for snails that can't right themselves I suppose.

 

[cloak]

I have heaters in my sump. I was thinking of getting some snails to help clean up the detritus that accumulates in the sump. Any thoughts on keeping the snails off the heaters? I assume they are too stupid to realize the heater is on. If I enclose the heaters then I reduce their efficiency. Thoughts?

I've yet to come across a snail that will make a pile of detritus in a bare bottom tank disappear for me. If anything it will most likely contribute to it. Everybody poops. Your best bet is a siphon.

 

[andycook]

True. And snails don't work in neat orderly rows.

 

[sleepydoc]

Agree with the above. Contrary to popular belief, snails are smart enough to know if the heater's on!

 

[andycook]

Interesting. I might give it a try on top of siphoning. Anything to help get detritus off the bottom and into the water column for filtering/water changes.

Agree with the above. Contrary to popular belief, snails are smart enough to know if the heater's on!