Astraea Snails

CARE REQUIREMENTS

The Astraea Turbo Snail has an attractive conical shaped shell and and a great addition to any cleanup crew. 

Like other invertebrates, the Astraea Turbo Snail is sensitive to high nitrate levels and will not tolerate copper-based water treatments. We ship Astraea snails in insulated boxes just like fish and corals and they are packed with wet newsprint paper.  

Parameters: Salinity: 1.024-1.026 | Temp 78-80 | Alkalinity 8-9 DKH | Calcium 440ppm | Mag 1350ppm | PO4 .03ppm | NO3 10-20ppm.

The recommended number of Astraea Snails for a reef tank depends on several factors, including the tank size, the amount of algae present, and the specific needs of the aquarium. Here are general guidelines for various-sized reef tanks:

1. Nano Tanks (Up to 30 Gallons):

   • Recommended number: 1 to 3 Astraea Snails.
   • Nano tanks have limited space, so starting with a small number allows you to observe their impact on algae control without overwhelming the tank.

2. Small Tanks (30 to 60 Gallons):

   • Recommended number: 5 to 10 Astraea Snails.
   • With a slightly larger tank, you can introduce a small group of snails to manage algae growth effectively.

3. Medium Tanks (60 to 100 Gallons):

   • Recommended number: 10 to 20 Astraea Snails.
   • Medium-sized tanks can support a larger population of Astraea Snails to address algae issues and cover a greater surface area.

4. Large Tanks (100 Gallons and Above):

   • Recommended number: 20 or more Astraea Snails.
   • Larger tanks with more extensive rock structures and substrate may benefit from a higher population to ensure comprehensive algae control.

It's important to drip acclimate Astraea Snails gradually before introducing them into your aquarium. Monitor their impact on algae removal as overpopulation can lead to a depletion of their food source, and they may not be able to sustain themselves in the long run. Adjust the numbers based on the specific algae-related issues in your tank and observe how the snails contribute to maintaining a balanced environment.

Additionally, consider the presence of other algae-eating organisms in your tank, such as hermit crabs, other snail species, or small herbivorous fish. A diverse community of algae grazers can work together to keep the aquarium clean and prevent the overgrowth of undesirable algae.

Regular observation and adjustment of the Astraea Snail population will help you strike a balance between effective algae control and ensuring the well-being of the snails in your reef tank.