Questions for those that collect at the beach for your tank

[mfp4073]

My question is about quarantining. I see lots of Nerite snails out there. How long do you quarantine and what do you look for? Also, I see a lot of very cool algaes, from green lettuce looking stuff, to red branch like algaes. Are any of these ok for our tanks? They would add some cool variety. thanks!!!

 

[orlandobrian]

I quarantine for 2 weeks nerite snails... but I keep it simple. I have a 10 gallon tank that I put a large piece of liverock from my main tank in, and dump the snails and water from the beach in, then leave an airstone on it for 2 weeks, feeding daily. I havent had any problems. I've done the same with hermits.

I used to do the same with algae to feed my fish (including that green leafy stuff), but I've heard of parasitic problems. I used to do this with my 265 and didn't have a problem. But after many years I was forced to shut it down (recession). When I did, I found a LARGE rock crab in the sump! That thing was about 2 inches round and I never saw it until the end.... what if it was in the main tank! I think my wrasses kept the main tank clean. I would go a month to be on the safe side with plants, large empty shells, etc. and even then pick it apart to be safe. You might even try feeding the tank with the plants in it to see what grows. Most fish parasites will die without a host, and crabs etc, can be picked out when they are grown.

 

[orlandobrian]

I also tried using beach sand once.... that was pure hell to say the least. Every time the magnet touched bottom, I tore up the glass from tiny pieces of metal sticking to it. I also had a horrible time with sps growing. It was very expensive and troublesome to replace all of the sand after the fact! Fortunately it was years ago and a old 55 that I shut down... but you have to learn somewhere I suppose. I will say that the mushrooms didnt seem to mind though, just the sps.

 

[orlandobrian]

Here's that sump I was telling you about...

I had many of those plants you talked about growing like crazy.... I would just quarantine even them before trying that again.

 

[mfp4073]

Would not use sand! I see what our beaches look like! Besides, isnt it illegal to use sand and rock? I figured with snails and algae to do a bare bottom tank with a small live rock and suck the bottom clean doing water changed to get "undesirable" stuff out.

 

[orlandobrian]

hmmmmmm..... knew rock was illegal, but didnt know sand was.... good call... wouldn't do it anyway.

Sounds like a plan, I'd go with a full month though - might be too long, but better safe than sorry. I don't think you'll have much in the way of hitchhikers on snails, but I'd be more concerned of what is hiding in the plants. Just my opinion though. Maybe someone else will chime in...

 

[brittany<3]

what local beaches have you found nerite snails?

 

[sedor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15659854#post15659854 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by orlandobrian
I also tried using beach sand once.... that was pure hell to say the least. Every time the magnet touched bottom, I tore up the glass from tiny pieces of metal sticking to it. I also had a horrible time with sps growing. It was very expensive and troublesome to replace all of the sand after the fact! Fortunately it was years ago and a old 55 that I shut down... but you have to learn somewhere I suppose. I will say that the mushrooms didnt seem to mind though, just the sps.

LOL you live you learn right? I never would have thought it would do that!

 

[mfp4073]

Sebastian inlet is where I found them, but am sure they are all up and down the coast..