Most notably they will keep your glass crystal clear. They are available to purchase at most LFS or from other hobbyists. Horned Nerite Snails are popular and pricier than other snails because they are impossible to breed in freshwater. Nerite snails can grow up to 1" but adults are more commonly found between 1/2 and 3/4" in size. Horned Nerite Snails can also be used in outdoor ponds for similar purpose.
Horned Nerite Snails are avid consumers of aquarium algae and are useful in keeping the nitrates under control in an aquarium. They will keep the glass and substrate relatively clean, aiding the water changing and substrate vacuuming process. Horned Nerite Snails are peaceful creatures. They can be kept with other non aggressive fish, snail and shrimp species without problem.
Horned Nerite Snails are known as a species of 'tidal snail'. The name comes from the ability of the snail to live out of the water for prolonged periods of time. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for Horned Nerite Snails to escape. They are fairly easy to find and can be picked up and placed back into the aquarium. It is encouraged to keep a daily eye on Horned Nerite Snails
Temperature ~75°F
The optimum aquarium temperature for Horned Nerite Snails is around 70°F - 80°F (21°C-27°C).
pH ~7 | Hardness 7
Horned Nerite Snails require pH between about 6.5 and 8. Relative water hardness for Horned Nerite Snails should be in the range of 6-12dH. Horned Nerite Snails are hardy species and are able to withstand captivity fluctuations.
Max Size ~1"
Horned Nerite Snails can grow up to 1" but are often found at a maximum size of 3/4". They are suitable for medium sized aquariums.
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrite should always be 0.
Ammonia 0ppm
Horned Nerite Snails are sensitive to ammonia spikes.
Nitrate >40ppm
Nitrates should be as close to 0ppm as possible. Horned Nerite Snails consume debris contributing to lower nitrates.
Stocking Guide
Horned Nerite Snails are excellent at consuming debris and algae. However in large numbers they will require extra food. For this reason it is wise to stock no more than one snail for every 4 gallons of aquarium water. Horned Nerite Snails have a short captive life of approximately one year. For this reason it is wise to slowly re-purchase snails throughout the year as Horned Nerite Snails cannot reproduce in freshwater.
Feeding
Horned Nerite Snails can simply be fed commercial flake and pellet food. They only require supplemental feeding if there is no debris or algae left to consume. They are efficient cleaners and will leave the glass and substrate very clean. They are not fussy eaters. The filter should be turned off during feeding to allow the food to float to the substrate where it is easily accessible for the Horned Nerite Snails.
Breeding
Horned Nerite Snails will not breed in freshwater aquariums. Horned Nerite Snails will only breed in brackish waters and even then raising young is difficult. Young successfully raised in captivity have far lower life expectancies than those wild caught. On the upside, Horned Nerite Snails will not overpopulate the aquarium making them far easier maintenance than other species.
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