How to Keep Trumpet Snails

Malaysian trumpet snails, scientifically known as Melanoides tuberculata, are useful occupants in an aquarium. These snails help to keep the aquarium clean by consuming the algae and organic matter. The snails also burrow into the substrate and help to keep the substrate particles loose, which, in turn, aerates it. An average adult trumpet snail reaches an inch in length, so a number of them can easily reside in a single tank.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Water
  • Substrate
  • Aquatic plants
  • pH testing kit
  • Thermometer
  • Fish
  • Fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the aquarium or tank before you bring home the trumpet snail. Fill it with hard water, as trumpet snails do not fare well in soft water.

    • 2

      Line the bottom of the tank with gravel, so that you can install aquatic plants in it. Lay enough gravel to allow the snails to burrow in during the day. Do not overcrowd the aquarium with plants, as trumpet snails need space to crawl around the tank while eating algae.

    • 3

      Check the pH and temperature of the water with a pH testing kit and thermometer, respectively. Trumpet snails prefer pH levels between 6.8 and 7.8 and water temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 4

      Introduce fish, such as African cichlids, angelfish or discus, in the aquarium, if you like. Alternatively, you can keep the trumpet snails on their own in the tank.

    • 5

      Visit a pet store and ask if it has trumpet snails. Most pet stores view them as pests, as they can multiply fast in a tank. The store may give you some for free or for a nominal cost.

    • 6

      Introduce the trumpet snails into the tank. You may not see the snails during the day, but they will emerge in the night to feed on dead leaves, plant debris, leftover fish food and algae.