Did I goof? (Apple snails)

[Elle]

Went fish shopping yesterday, and in a fit of stupidity/enthusiasm I bought 4 monster apple snails. When I got them home, my husband banished them all from his 55 gallon planted tank because he thinks that they'd eat all his more delicate plants, so they're now in my planted 30 gallon tank with my 5 fancy goldfish. Right now the goldfish seem to see the snails as either not-very-interesting animated rocks or as an obstacle course in the way of getting to the veggie bar (I'm feeding the snails lettuce and other veggies in a sinking clip, and this is a goldfish bonanza). The goldfish are waiting to get upgraded to a much larger tank (either 70 or 100 gallon) and as long as they aren't eating the snails and the water isn't too cold for the snails, the snails will go with them.

Things seem to be OK at the moment, but I'm a bit concerned that

a) the goldfish might start snacking on the snails;
b) The snails may cause a cycle bump. I do 80% water changes weekly on this tank, but I'm not sure how much these guys will up the bioload.

What has other people's experience been with keeping golds and apple snails? If I have to I can set them up in their own 30 gallon tank, but I'd rather keep them in a community setting.

[Morainy]

I don't know. I've probably never even seen an apple snail. But I love their name! Brings to mind chubby, fist-sized, rosy critters with cheerful personalities. I'd love it if you posted a pic!

[O.C.D Fishies]

I had one that was the size of a softball before and he produced long stings of crap it was way to much and very unsightly. He also chowed down on most my plants. I am not to sure about the cycle but they do produce to much waste.
On the other hand I had one about the size of a loony and he was good. Didn't notice to much crap and he never seemed to enjoy the plants.

[Elle]

Yeah, I was afraid of that. Anyone want 3 BIG apple snails? $3 each! They're each about 1"-2" across right now.

Here's a pic of an apple snail for Morainy.

[Elle]

No crap so far, but they are eating the plants in a minor way - just dead stuff and algae so far, but we shall see. I'm feeding them lots of lovely veggies, but I guess the java fern tastes better.

The goldfish think that this is great, though...they're pigging out on the snails' salad bar!

I'm thinking they might be up for sale soon.

[Morainy]

That's a beautiful snail, Elle. Thanks for posting a pic.

[Adz1]

theses snails at least the ones i had will eat agea waffers also.
what type of letuce are you feeding them?
try romain letuce and zuchinni...

[Morainy]

Elle, if you want to try algae wafers, I'd be happy to give you a package of Hikari algae wafers that I bought by accident. I go to the North Shore quite often by bus and could meet you at Phibbs Exchange or Parkgate. Or I'd be happy to mail it to you. If your snails like the wafers, you'd be able to keep the snails without too much extra work.

[Elle]

Hey thanks Morainy, that would be great! Parkgate's probably closest - I'm over by Capilano Rd in Pemberton Heights. I'll PM my email/cell to you and we can coordinate whenever you're next in the area with time to spare.

Right now they're getting Romaine lettuce, spinach and I'm going to try them on some cooked carrot and sliced zucchini. Would they eat apple?

At this rate of food variety the goldfish will think that they're in fishy heaven...

[Morainy]

I'll mail them to you, E!

I don't know if apple snails eat apple, lol. I've never even seen an apple snail! But that reminds me -- time to go make that apple crisp...