If you have been following this channel for a while, you know by now that I always try to increase the biodiversity in the aquaponics ecosystem. Indeed, It simply improves the stability of the whole system. for the reason that it insure that all populations are balanced. In this video we will focus on the aquatic snails which are a very interesting creatures able to grow and breed in our aquaponics setups.
Most freshwater snails are able to live in a water with very low oxygen concentration. Some species even have lungs and they breathe at the surface. They spend their day eating benthic algae growing on the walls and bottom of the tanks. Some aquatic snails are able to eat meat. However, most of them will stick to algae and aquatic plants. So when someone ask me if I believe that freshwater snails are good or bad for aquaponics system my response is: “Yes they are a good thing but the population can quickly increase”.
Easy to look after
The freshwater snail need for care is minimal if not nonexistent. Most aquatic snails will easily spawn some transparent sticky eggs on the fish tank walls. But some of them spawn above the water surface. Aquaponics snails can therefore multiply very easily and colonize the whole tank. Depending on the snails species, fish generally like to eat them. They therefore become a very good source of free protein and vitamins. As a result, they close the loop of the nitrogen cycle.
Most fish species are able to eat the baby snails when they are just born. However, the shell quickly becomes hard. Hence, when the snails grow, only certain species of fish are still able to consume them. If your fish are not able to eat the freshwater snails as they are, simply squash them. Then, let them drop into the aquaponics fish tank, the fish will love them!
Introducing new snails in your aquaponics system
When it comes to introduce aquatic snails into your aquaponics ecosystem you may wonder where to find freshwater snails. You will find that, with time they may come by themselves. The eggs can be present into the water when you buy fish or fixed on the plants if you get aquatic plants such as lilies. You can also buy the freshwater snails from your local aquarium shop or from other aquarium / pond / aquaponics keepers. But make sure the water parameters (especially temperature) of your aquaponics system are adapted to the species. The easiest is probably to collect some from your closest local lack / river. The freshwater snails species compatible with aquaponics are very wide. However, make sure to not release them in the environment. They can become a real pest for local populations. Here I will simply site a few:
Apple snail: A very large and nice snail, it can grow up to the size of a fist.
Gold Inca Snails and Ivory snails: Very common aquatic snails, they do a very good job at cleaning the glass
Assassin Snails: The Assassin snails is a very interesting predator that eat the other species of snails. It helps to control the snails populations.
Japanese Trapdoor Snail: this snail can close his opercula and therefore protect himself into his shell.
Trumpet Snails: is an interesting as it can dig into the media to find food.
Planorbe
Watch out as some snails like to escape from the tank and go for a wonder around.
You will probably be interested to discover my 6 steps to build and manage an Aquaponics system. Click here to access for free! Thanks and good reading 🙂
