Betta fish have a reputation of being difficult roommates, yet some species can actually coexist peacefully with snails. Snails are gentle scavengers who keep your tank clean, providing natural stimulation and exercise to your betta fish.
Certain snail species are adept algae eaters that can reduce the amount of algae growing in an aquarium by eating the excess material that accumulates there. Here are three compelling arguments for adding snails to your betta aquarium:
1. They Clean Up Detritus
One of the key functions that snails play in an aquarium is eating algae. This keeps your water cleaner, free of green growth that could threaten its inhabitants' wellbeing. Some fish owners even claim they no longer require an algae scrubber because snails do such an amazing job at keeping their tanks clear!
Mysteries snails make an ideal freshwater addition for aquariums as they require minimal care and maintenance while remaining compatible with betta fish. They thrive even in slightly acidic water environments and excel at cleaning algae off substrate surfaces while being efficient scavengers that consume dead plants, food remnants and other forms of detritus.
Malaysian trumpet snails are another excellent addition to your aquarium as they do an outstanding job at clearing away debris, while also helping aerate the substrate, keeping your Betta's water fresh and clear.
2. They Help Aerate the Substrate
Snails enjoy burrowing into substrate, helping to aerate it and creating ideal living conditions for betta fish who typically thrive when their surroundings are well-aerated. Unfortunately, snails are also known for eating up substrate and plant matter in your aquarium!
An essential step when selecting an aquarium snail species is finding one with low breeding rates and overcrowding your tank. A good choice could be the Mystery snail, which has large enough shells to ward off territorial bettas while possessing an operculum, or trap door, on its shell to hide from predators.
Mystery snails not only aerate the substrate, but will also consume any buildup of algae on tank walls, gravel, rocks or plants - an effective way to prevent an overgrowth that can prove fatal for betta fish.
3. They Help Clean Up Algae
One of the primary advantages of adding snails is their ability to clean up algae in your betta tank. Many species are available to do just this, including zebra nerite snails, mystery snails and ramshorn snails which all serve as excellent algae eaters without disturbing other plant life in your tank.
Malaysian trumpet snails are another ideal option. Not as voracious algae eaters than other freshwater snails, this freshwater snail tolerates wide water conditions without producing too much waste.
Be wary when adding new snails, as they may carry diseases or parasites that could spread infection into your tank. Also keep in mind that snails may get stuck on a betta fish's fins causing irritation and infection - so gently scrape any snails off as needed from glass surfaces.
4. They Help Clean Up the Glass
As an added benefit, snails can also assist in cleaning aquarium glass by scrubbing away algae deposits. Fish keepers often claim they no longer need an algae scrubber because their snails do the work themselves!
Mystery snails are excellent choices to house alongside betta fish. But be wary: their waste can lead to ammonia build up in the tank, creating an unsafe environment for your betta to live in - meaning more frequent water changes and possibly additional substrate will need to be added for them.
snails are generally easy to care for and make great additions to a betta tank. Make sure they become familiar with their environment by floating the bag they came in on top of the tank for at least an hour, and ensure their habitat is in an adequately lit location. Remove any dead snails as soon as they occur to prevent disease spread and tank pollution.
