Apple/mystery Snail Disease?

[Sesshis_grl]

Hello

I have 2 fairly big apple/mystery snails and they will occasionally have fuzz on their shells. Has anyone seen this before or know what it is? Is this something that needs to be treated? I want to move them into my 29G but not if they are going to spread something

 

[BigbruiserAl]

How big are they, when you wipe the fuzz away is there and pitting to the shell? would you describe the fuzz as almost cotton wool like?

 

[Sesshis_grl]

I would say...about the size of an avocado pit? maybe a tad smaller but pretty big for a snail in my opinion. and its hard to say because it'll come and go. but yes kind of wool like, its see through, no color. But when you look closely you see it, looks thickish but like I said it goes away too. Very weird..

 

[Sesshis_grl]

after searching some more some are suggesting excessive slime, could this be a possibility? The water hasn't been perfect lately, I have recently lost the filter for that tank. I'm debating putting them in a bowl and constantly changing water to watch them while the tank gets a deep clean...but that might be a very stupid idea if they are sick. Also no pits in shell, but one has a flaked shell? at the top of the shell but no longer looks flaky. The top half is just darker than the rest of the shell. These are my first snails so I'm not quite sure what is normal and what is not

 

[BigbruiserAl]

ok without seeing them this is my best guess but am pretty sure im right. Snails are very messy they produce that slime a lot more when stressed. You say the filter packed up how long have the snails been in still unfiltered water for?
Should you test your water you will find ammonia and nirites are high the tank/snails will die if left in there

 

[Sesshis_grl]

yeah I havent tested that water in a while, they have had water changes tho. It's prolly been a month? barely without a filter. I was waiting for money to rebuy one but now I am debating getting rid of the 10G and moving them to the 29G. If its just excessive slime than that doesnt sound like it would have negative effect on the fish in the 29G. I would hope anyway...

 

[loraxchick]

If it is ON their shells im thinking it's probably algae growing on it. even if it looks colorless. Not to worry about.
cheers

 

[BigbruiserAl]

If it is ON their shells im thinking it's probably algae growing on it. even if it looks colorless. Not to worry about.
cheers

White cotton like alage on shells?

@op

You really should sort yout water not running a filter is a bad idea and unfair on the tank mates

 

[loraxchick]

Yes. If it is green algae with no or little chlorophyll it looks "cottony"...almost like grey/whitish fuzz. Have it on my bogwood. Its just a guess. Snails are not really prone to many "fuzzy" ailments, especially ON the shell. Thick slime coat looks nothing like white cotton and would not be on the shell itself..
OP-can you post a pic? Even a poor one would be better than nothing. That would settle the issue. Hard to tell what you mean by your description as it is clearly open to interpretation.
cheers

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Yes. If it is green algae with no or little chlorophyll it looks "cottony"...almost like grey/whitish fuzz.

Not saying your wrong just never seen it, all here to learn

 

[loraxchick]

Yes. If it is green algae with no or little chlorophyll it looks "cottony"...almost like grey/whitish fuzz.

Not saying your wrong just never seen it, all here to learn

no problem!
cheers

 

[Sesshis_grl]

I have to wait til I get back home tonight, and that is if it is still on there. It comes and goes, its really weird..but will definitely try. And that's why I ask if it is something catching, I want to get rid of the 10G and put them in the 29G which is all set up, mature, and a better home. There are no other tankmates, just the 2 snails. But I agree they either need to be moved or I need to recycle that tank.

Thanks for advice, I will try to post a pic in the next couple days