This guide will attempt to help you make the right decision when buying Malaysian Trumpet Snails.

It will also give you some info on how to care for them and what they are about.

Malaysian Trumpet Snails

Origin.

Mainly Malaysia and surrounding areas in freshwater streams, generally fast flowing.

These days they are very popular in the aquatic hobby due to their helpful habits & interesting,                      attractive appearance

Very Helpful.

Trumpet snails are by far the most handy to keep with your fish!

During the day they generally sift through the substrate in search of food. This can be algae, dead plant matter, excess fish food and even fish poo!  At night they tend to climb the sides of the tank and also any decorations etc in search of.. you guessed it.. more food. Breaking down all of these organic materials into less harmful substances. Their waste is very long and thin, giving plenty more surface area for the good bacteria in your tank to do their job breaking it down even more. In lab studies these snails have been shown to improve the water quality by 35% in comparison with an exact same set up without the snails.

Dont Eat Your Plants.

Malaysian Trumpet snails are one of the only freshwater snails which leaves plants alone! Apple snails and Ramshorn snails are the worst culprits for this and can leave you with no plants at all! Malaysian Trumpet Snails (MTS) will only eat plants if you literally starve them of all other food! They will, however eat dead plants or cooked leafy vegetables. Eating dead plants helps keep with water cleaner. Giving the occasional boiled lettuce or spinnach leaf is beneficial to the snails.

Suitable For Your Tank Setup?

If the conditions in your tank fit in the below guide, trumpet snails would be very happy in your tank!

TEMPERATURE - 18-28c

pH READING - 7-9

LIGHT ON IN DAY, OFF AT NIGHT

FISH BEING FED FLAKE OR PELLET FOOD

NO LOACHES (except sucking loaches)

How Many Should I Buy?

This depends on how big your tank is! However most buy about 10 to start with, sometimes a few more. In a few months after buying baby snails you are likely to have quite a few more than you started with!

If you have a heavily planted tank, I would suggest buying more as they are excellent at keeping plant roots in perfect condition, aerating the surrounding substrate and reducing the build up of toxic gases trapped in the gravel or sand (dead spots).

Where Can I Get Them?

Here on eBay! All sorts of aquarium snails are sold on eBay.

Its best to buy snails from traders who know what they are doing! Some sellers send snails with no water! These snails can only breathe in water and so its crucial that they are sent with some to keep them healthy and stress free. A stressed snail is much more succeptable to disease and is more likely to die in your tank as a result. Don't buy from sellers who put food in with the snails when packaged! They can happily go without food for up to 3 weeks and food will only contaminate the small amount of water they do have!

Can I Put Them In A Newly Set Up Tank?

Definatly! These guys are a superb choice to put in a newly set up aquarium. They are hardy (survive easily) and break down food and fish waste fast. Very good when trying to get your nitrite/nitrate levels to balance and become low when you first add life to the tank!