7 Best Tanks to Use with Shrimp and Snails together
According to one school of thought, having an aquarium in your home (or home office) is the key to success and harmony. Another school holds that it is a symbol of luck and prosperity. Whether you agree with them or not, we can all agree on something – it makes the home look more welcoming and beautiful.
Now, your choice could be combining a shrimp and snail tank in one, there are many benefits for both species to coexist in the same tank. You will find some articles and reports suggesting they can not.
Well, I have done extensive study and had hands-on experience too, so I will share all my exclusive findings with you in this informative article.
Additionally, you will see the 7 best tanks to use with shrimp and snails, useful tips you need to keep them going, and much more…
Why You Should Combine a Shrimp and Snail Tank in one Aquarium
Now, many people often say that putting shrimp and snails in the same tank will be a disaster for the two tank mates because these creatures will feast on each other. Is it true? Hang on!! First, I will answer that question. Second, I will show you why it is a good idea to combine them.
I will be frank, shrimp only attack or eat living snails if they are starving and lack food. Oftentimes, cherry shrimp eat up the slime coat of snails, but not snails themselves. The good news is that as the shrimp eat up the slime coat, snails grow them again to make up for their losses. Sometimes, shrimp also eat dead snails. So, cherry shrimp only serve as good scavengers.
To my promise, the benefit of keeping the two aquatic creatures in one tank, however, is that snails reduce the algae in the water and on the tank surface. They eat up the debris from the tank, remove the dead plant from the tank, and get rid of algae from the glass.
Snails can also digest animal waste, such as shrimp droppings, thereby minimizing the amount of waste in the tank. So, having them together biologically balances algae growth and overfeeding.
Additionally, shrimp and snail detritus or waste are great fertilizers if you have tank plants. Waste that comes from these creatures contains nutrients in highly sought-after fertilizers. Shrimp shells, for instance, contain nutrients in high concentration that is extremely good for fertilizer production.
Lastly, when you keep them together, shrimp can easily survive during cycling, which is the removal of ammonia and nitrate from water. If you put shrimp in the tank without cycling, they will die. Because snails are pretty dirty, they will produce tons of waste beneficial to the shrimp. The waste keeps the bacteria thriving during the recycling stages of tanks.
7 Best Tanks to Use with Shrimp and Snails together
Having come thus far, check out the 7 best aquatic tanks for shrimp and snails that give the best value for money:
Fluval SPEC Freshwater Aquarium Kit:
Here comes a glass tank that has 31 powerful LED lamps that enable shrimp and snails to coexist. It also has a 3-stage filtration system for superior water quality. Also, it is ideal for caradina and red cherry shrimp. This 2.6-gallon capacity tank comes with a smart style and sleek design.
Concerning its LED, it has a high output of 700k, allowing you to keep close tabs on your aquatic creatures (shrimp and snails). Another striking factor that makes that possible is that the LED generates 20% brighter lighting performance. No doubt, this tank is a great choice for shrimp and snails because it allows for optimal plant and aquatic life growth. Don’t panic if your shrimp is caught in its filter because its filter is a sponge, but that rarely happens.
Pros
- Comes with a quiet filter system
- Allows you to view your shrimp and snails from great angles
- Sleek and stylish, making it perfect for internal decoration
- LED made of aluminum waterproof casing that does not corrode
- Easy to clean, use, and maintain
Cons
- Shrimp and snails may avoid its bright lights
Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit
I thought I should include this tank on your list because it has a unique portrait build. Sure, this is a departure from what most of us are used to. You can also get the most from shrimp and snails when you breed them in this 5-gallon glass tank.
Given its breathtaking look, you can position this sleek aquarium in your home to enhance its aesthetics. It comes with natural daylight and moonlight LED settings. It also has a 3-stage filtration system that allows shrimp and snails to enjoy the tank and live in harmony. If you want to breed smaller snails, I recommend this for you.
Pros
- Houses about 20 – 30 shrimp and 5 snails at the same time
- Comes with a filter that ensures you cover it with foam media
- Blue LEDs are okay for the wellbeing of your shrimp and snails
- Its 3-stage filtration system makes this tank a beauty to behold
- Easy to maintain, assemble, and use
Cons
- Some users think it is overpriced
Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium
Are you one of those passionate about a life-sustaining aquatic ecosystem for your shrimp and snails? If so, Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium is what you need. Interestingly, it is perfect for first-timers and experts. Indeed, this 5-gallon glass tank allows you to clean your water within 2 minutes – thanks to its self-clean technology. Cleaning this tank involves just a simple 3-step process.
The filter uses Aqueon Small Replacement Cartridges, which you have to change every four weeks. If you opt for this tank, I advise you replace its cartridges every four weeks for optimal performance. This is just what you need to decorate your bedroom, living room, home office, etc. It serves all those rooms and more because it is portable and sleek.
Pros
- Has grey, blue, and black colors.
- Both amateur and experts can use it
- Easy and convenient to clean, use, and maintain
- It is budget-friendly
- Good filters that allow you to keep the water parameters stable
- Well-constructed and integrated parts
Cons
- You have to replace its costly filter cartridges regularly
- The lid frame and light hood may not fit over the edges of the tank
Hygger Horizon 8 Gallon LED Glass Aquarium Kit:
If you wish to have an easy-to-clean 8-gallon capacity tank, you should order Hygger Horizon 8 Gallon LED Glass Aquarium Kit. Still, this tank has an adjustable width and a ravishingly beautiful look. It comes with a 3-mode, 18-watt LED light that ensures your shrimp and snails are happy, comfortable, and in harmony with each other at all times.
Perhaps you need an aquarium to step up the internal decoration of your home or office, this is a great choice. Its 3D background decoration will sweep you off your feet. It has a 2-stage filtration system, making it pretty easy to use. While using this tank, remove the snails and shrimp before running the power filter. Without a doubt, it is an excellent product, so I think you should give it a shot.
Pros
- Easy to set up, use, and maintain
- Excellent for starters and hobbyists
- Has a cushion and pad stuck on the bottom, so no need for a stand
- Built to last with a durable, transparent glass of 5mm thickness
- Has a beautiful LED that can last up to 20000 hours
- Made of non-toxic materials
- You can set the lighting time to suit your preferences
- Has an excellent waterproof property and quality light
Cons
- It is pricey
- Has no lid
- The tube connected to its pump isn’t efficient
Fluval Vista Freshwater Aquarium Kit
You probably need something bigger than the tanks I have reviewed so far. If so, you should check this 8.5-gallon tank out. Here’s a glass tank that comes with a powerful multistage filter that makes it perfect for hobbyists looking for mind-blowing aesthetics for their apartments.
It also has a panoramic bent-glass design and 8000K LED for excellent viewing pleasure. Its kit contains a thermometer, fishnet, care guide, etc. This tank also has a specially curved front glass that redefines its simple look.
Pros
- Adjustable temperate control
- Has a quality glass construction
- Gives your home a beautiful aura
- Easy to assemble, use, and clean
- Lights require just a simple touch to it turn on and off
- Reduced water change frequency due to AquaClear 20 clip-on filter
Cons
- Has different key lengths that are not easy to use
- Not ideal for a large number of aquatic life because they can escape during the filter change
GloFish 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit
Now, let me take it a bit higher. This 20-gallon glass tank comes with a mini UL heater and 13” LED light stick, giving your aquatic creatures an exciting experience. What’s more, the heater helps you to maintain the water temperature at 72 – 80 degree Celsius. In other words, you have nothing to worry about during cold winter days. For optimal use, I advise you change about 25% of its water and replace its filter cartridge every month. You can personalize its decoration and color options to suit your taste.
Pros
- Allows sufficient space to breed snails and shrimp in one room
- Comes with assorted, brightly colored gravel that adds color to its floor
- Has a color-changing background for apartment decoration
- Easy to set up and use
- With its heater, you can keep the water relatively warm in winter
Cons
- LED lights may fall from time to time
- You may experience a malfunctioning filter pump
- Filter may suck your shrimp and snails if you don’t watch them closely
Tetra Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank Kit
Setting up an aquarium of 20-gallon capacity could be a tough task, but you don’t have to worry about anything if you go for this tank. That’s simply because it is easy to set up. To make it a befitting home for your shrimp and snails, it has a LED kit modeled like a traditional aquarium.
Plus, it doesn’t matter if you are a professional aquarist or hobbyist, you will have a great time using this product. Built to last, Tetra Aquarium 20-Gallon Fish Tank Kit ensures that your aquatic lives are healthy and happy for a long time. Yes, that explains why I added it to this list I compiled for you.
Pros
- Its artificial plastic plants give a feel of unique, natural ocean
- With its whisper filter, it delivers whisper-quiet water flow
- 100-wattt heater for warming up its water
- Sufficient space for aquatic creatures
- More durable than many products
Cons
- The filter unit may be noisy
- You cannot easily use the thermostat
Final Takeaway
As you can see, shrimp and snails coexist in the same space. In short, after exhaustive research and hands-on experience, I have reviewed the 7 best tanks to use with shrimp and snails together. While using any of the tanks, ensure you maintain it appropriately. To do that, reduce the amount of food, algae, and dead plant matter in them.
Moreover, I always advise people to use specific snail species for this because I have tried them myself. These snails are horned nerite, red racer nerite, assassin, black racer nerite, chocolate rabbit, and black devil snails. However, this doesn’t mean that other species won’t survive in them.
For more clues, note that aquatic snails don’t fare well in water that’s too acidic or low in pH and hardness. If the water is highly acidic, this can lead to shell deterioration. Plus, if you keep snails in soft and acidic water, they will struggle to survive in the water.
Ensure you feed your shrimp with plenty of calcium-rich foods because they need them to keep growing. Also, sometimes, dwarf shrimp can spread disease, especially if they were purchased from the importer. Therefore, quarantine a new batch first before introducing them to an existing group.
The good thing is that snails rarely carry and transmit diseases, leaving you to worry more about the shrimp. Now, you have all it takes to get started as a hobbyist or expert. So, gift yourself one of these tanks now!
