Anyone Have Cherry Shrimp, Nerite Snails, Or Clams?

[sjrose77]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here keeps cherry shrimp, clams, or nerite snails. Someone suggested these instead of a pleco for my 10 gallon tank on another site. They said that these creatures keep the tank clean without a huge bioload and that I could keep three amano shrimp and 3 snails. I just wanted to get a second opinion. I also saw that they have freshwater clams that help filter the water. Could I have all this in a tank with 4 platies? I am going to give the pleco away and get a separate tank for my betta. Of course I would not get the shrimp and snails until I have successfully cycled and treated the problems in the tank. Just dreaming....

Thanks, Sarah

 

[Assaye]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here keeps cherry shrimp, clams, or nerite snails. Someone suggested these instead of a pleco for my 10 gallon tank on another site. They said that these creatures keep the tank clean without a huge bioload and that I could keep three amano shrimp and 3 snails. I just wanted to get a second opinion. I also saw that they have freshwater clams that help filter the water. Could I have all this in a tank with 4 platies? I am going to give the pleco away and get a separate tank for my betta. Of course I would not get the shrimp and snails until I have successfully cycled and treated the problems in the tank. Just dreaming....

Thanks, Sarah

Snails and shrimp are relatively un-problematic. I will however, talk about clams.

Clams often find their way into pet shops and the vast majority of them end up dead, either in the shop or with their new owner. The freshwater clams commonly avaliable in the hobby are often sold with the following info/advice:

+ Will get their food from filtering the water
+ Will feed off regular fish food/sinking pellets/detritus/alage
+ Don't need extra feeding
+ Will keep your water clean

This information is wrong and leads to the vast majority of pet clams dying unless kept by an experienced keeper.

I'll very simply refer you to this thread - here.

 

[sjrose77]

Thank you so much! I was so excited to see a freshwater clam, and I wondered why more people did not have them. Now I know why! Not going to try it.