Mystery Snail Mystery

[trigger9]

I just bought three mystery snails and I think all three have died. My fish seem happy and healthy. Are snails more sensitive to certain tank conditions? My pH is 7.5, GH 60 KH 80 with a nitrate level at 40.

 

[silentskream]

the short answer is yes, but your parameters dont seem to be enough to do the trick.
maybe just a bad batch.

 

[thebullit]

has ur tank been treated with medication of some sort? if so theres the problem

 

[Hooked Newbie]

What about Ammonia and Nitrite readings? Nitrates seem a bit high. Do you use ferts? If so do they contain ANY copper (Cu)?

 

[trigger9]

I do not use ferts.The nitrates are high but water changes do not seem to help. I only have 3 fish in a 50 gallon so its not overstocked. Biggest is 3 inches. I had some other snails before this and they seem to have died as well. I have fresh water clams in there as well and they seem ok.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

Do you add aquarium salt by chance?

 

[Flaringshutter]

First let's establish that all three are really dead.

How do you know they are dead? What criteria are you judging them by?
If they really are gone then when you pick them up, tug GENTLY on the operculum, the door that seals them into their shell, you should feel no resistance at all. If they're dead, they will slide right out of their shells.
If you feel them pulling back, they're alive and well. Just shy.

Do you add aquarium salt by chance?

Aquarium salt wouldn't have made a difference - it's snail-safe as long as you don't pour it on their heads.

Do you use ferts? If so do they contain ANY copper (Cu)?

That could be the reason. Copper is highly snail-toxic.