Tip of the Week
Snails aren’t just for eating algae! Freshwater snails make wonderful pets as additions to many aquariums.  But remember, most snails do not thrive on algae and will need their diet supplemented with other goodies!  More info to come when the new Snail Care page is up!

Tip of the Week Archives

The Think Tank by Aikidoka

Snails for algae cleaning?

I had a betta buddy once who went by the name Tia Sabaki.  I remember he was in a big ten-gallon tank all by himself for a long time but then his tank started to get a build up of algae in it.  Now, algae isn’t all bad but it does make the tank look kind of ugly.  So, Mom went out to get him a new buddy…a snail.  He was a cute little booger and Tai enjoyed his company.  This little snail, who we called Riddley, grew so fast it was unbelievable.  While it was fun for everyone to watch him grow and interact with Tai, I noticed, and so did Mom and Dad that the algae was going uneaten.  It was time to research all about that little snail.  We found out that as they get bigger, the snails don’t really eat much algae and that they needed other foods to eat.  Riddley soon got to enjoy peas, green beans, zucchini, fish foods, and many other foods.  With a good diet and a happy home, Riddley went from being the size of a pea to the size of a small apple!! He was huge!! 

I hear about lots of people who get these little snails to take care of their algae problems but some of them just aren’t going to get the job done.  They are little pets just like the rest of us and have specific requirements of their own.  With just a little bit of researching, so much can be learned about these guys.  I know it’s hard to find info on the apple snails but there is a site on the Internet with lots of great reliable info called www.applesnail.net.  I’ve also heard that they are addicting…almost as much as we bettas so beware. 

Visit Aikidoka's The Think Tank Archives:

Give Me MEAT!

They DO Love Me!

I'm a TROPICAL Fish, For Crying Out Loud!

I prefer to be a loner!

Some special points of interest this month include:

	Got an algae problem in your betta tank and are thinking of getting a snail?  Better visit The Think Tank before getting the little guy.
	Think your bird needs a pal or mate in her cage?  This isn't always the best thing for all pet birds.  Paisley will fill you in on Cheep Talk!
	Cats come in all shapes, sizes, colors, breed and prices!  Just because a pure bred cat costs more doesn't mean that a cheaper cat, one from a shelter, might not make a good pet as well.  The boys discuss it on The Scratching Post.