Snail Food Vs Poo Explosion

[blondielynn08]

so i just spent a good amount of time and effort changing the water in my 2.5 gallon tank that is currently housing my betta. the tank had some algae starting and i cleaned and scrubbed the crap out of everything in it to make sure the water would be crystal clear, then got a mystery snail to (ideally) take care of the algae problem. i plopped the snail in and my betta harrassed him for a day or so but he's learned to respect the snail because he's got a few scrapes on his snout from trying to nibble at him and having the snail slam his shell shut but overall they seem to be working out as tank buddies. the person at the pet store suggested i put some algae wafers in for snail food and the second i dropped one in, the water got murky and gross looking. it seems counter productive to put algae wafers in my tank when that is what i bought the snail to get rid of, but i don't know what else to feed him that won't make the water dirty. my snail had a poo explosion after i fed him but i'm pretty sure this is not what is causing the dirty water. please help!

 

[micko]

A snail will not feed only on algae, they feed on all sorts including dead/dying leaves. You cannot just hoof one into a tank and expect it to just clean your tank. You still have to maintain your tank. Adding addition foods for the snail will benefit him of course. Some have suggested removing the snail at feeding times but I just see that as being more awkward than an extra substrate clean.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

 

[colleen0309]

Good morning and welcome!