turbo snails and acrylic tank

[H20Sidhe]

During the 10 years that my 55g plexi was set up, it was marked by the radulae of turbo & alstrea snails. The 'scratches' were much more dense over the lower three inches near the surface of the sand, but they are all over the front & sides of the tank. They were more noticible when the tank was due to be wiped down, as algae and even diatoms would settle in the erosions. But even when they were clean, they created distortion. I am now obliged to try to remove the teeth marks. Now that I have my new tank set up, I don't want this to happen to it!

Anyone else with acrylic notice this? Any time I see a snail on the front or on the side of the tank now, I move it, but at night & when I am not home they can mosey where they please. Is this just one of the downsides of acrylic tanks? I've never heard any discussion on this topic.

Sherie

 

[Wee-Reef Master]

I've had acrylic tanks (all reef) for a decade now myself, and never have I noticed marks left by snails of all sorts. This is completely new to me. In fact, I'm looking at a Truvu now and don't see a trace, despite there being several snails all over the panels. Have any pictures?

 

[H20Sidhe]

I will post a pic. Right now the tank is outside & it's raining . . .

 

[H20Sidhe]

 

[H20Sidhe]

Scrathces in acrylic are really hard to photograph

 

[Marc Daniels]

It's not from the snails. Ever have any urchins?

It's most likely due to some hitchhiker that you have never seen. Do the "bite marks" almost look like they are in a "V" pattern, or like birds tracks at the beach?

 

[H20Sidhe]

Never had an urchin in that tank. The pattern is identical to the grazing trails snails make in algae (or diatoms) - very similar to the pattern they lay eggs in. Sort of serpiginous. Looking REAL close at the bite marks (10x lens) & I don't see anything v shaped. The individual bite marks are at about a 60 degree angle to the trail, and parallel to each other. They are evenly spaced, each one is deeper in the middle and 1 to 2 mm in length.

I have 2 issues - the first is to keep my new 90g as scratch free as possible [I was given an urchin since I've had the new tank - do I need to be concerned?] The second is now curiosity; if it wasn't snails, then what caused this? If I can get that answer, I will be more assured that I can protect the new tank from a similar assault!

Off topic - I can get rid of the coralline on the old tank by soaking it in dilute vinegar, right?

Sherie

 

[Marc Daniels]

The typical snails radula just isn't strong enough. They "may", and that's a big MAY, be able to mar the acrylic over time. But what you're describing, and from the pictures, is a single instance where the acrylic was marred by something munching on it.

I asked Dr Ron a question a year or so ago regarding what would be strong enouigh to mar acrylic tanks, but I can't get in to search for his answer.

 

[tfp]

in any event of what caused it...marc daniels can get it out!
his acrylic scratch removal process can do wonders!!

 

[Marc Daniels]

Tim, thanks for the vote of confidence. I had another satisfied customer yesterday, and will tackle my most challenging tank next weekend.

 

[LanDoctor]

Tank polishing

Tank polishing

Tim, I agree. It works wonders.
Marc,
Haha!
You are dreading next weekend already, huh????
Donovan

 

[pepe.king.prawn]

Wow, I was in disbelief, but it looks correct for what you described. Sounds like you've got a seriously buff snail! Maybe super speedy evolution in your tank? :lol:

 

[Marc Daniels]

Donovan-

I'm looking at it more as a challenge to be overcome...or a failure to drink heavily after ;-).

I just wish that I could get decent before/after pics to use for marketing.

 

[Marc Daniels]

This is the link to the thread that I asked Dr. Shimek about snails & acrylic aquariums.

Link

 

[H20Sidhe]

Thank you for that link. Good information.