Olive snails

[plyle02]

Hi,
I just wanted to know if anyone out there has any olive snails in their tank? If so, how are they to other inverts. I purchased a few from the LFS, and after 3 weeks they just seem to go under the sand and move their way around the tank. I have tried to do some research, but so far not much luck. One site said they can be harmful to other inverts, but I have not experienced any losses yet. Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[capncapo]

You may be experiencing losses of animals that you didn't even know existed.

Olive snails feed on the fauna living in your sand bed. After eating whatever they find in the bed they will starve to death.

Not really recommended for reef tanks.

 

[plyle02]

Thank you, I appreciate your response. Another one of those bad recommendations at the LFS.... The gentleman who was helping me indicated that they were good sifters for the sand, and I remember him telling me that he was not quite sure of the snail species, but they were reef compatible. Coincidentally, I had one of these guys die between your reply, and mine....lol I will keep an eye out for these guys and catch them when I see their snorkle sticking up out of the sand. You mentioned that they feed on the fauna in the DSB, will this aid bacteria break down, or cause the DSB to lose functionality. The reason I ask, is that I have a 12 gallon refugium with a 5" sandbed, which is home to many pods. Would these snails be ok in the refugium, where I have no predators, or would they cause harm there too? Just wondering before I take them back to the LFS. Thanks,
Perry

 

[capncapo]

If your DSB has critters in it, it won't by the time the snail gets done eating them.

I would take them back to where you purchased them and ask for a store credit or better yet, a refund.