I now know (thanks to this site) that you are only supposed to keep 1 goldfish per ten gallons. I was wondering whether apple or mystery snails needed to be considered in the per gallon equation.

Thanks!

You do need to figure those guys in because as Ive found out, they are just as messy as the goldfish!! I have one large apple snail in a 10 gallon filtered tank with a betta and that tank just gets so dirty so fast! I would say the snails need about 5 gallons each but the minimum size tank I would put a full grown snail in would be about a 10 gallon, and make sure its well filtered. Be sure and keep up on your gravel vacuuming too.

Thanks!

I guess I really don't have room for snails, dang it! Can one keep snails by themselves? If so, do they require the same tank conditions as goldfish?

snails actually are more sensitive to water quality than goldfish I've learned! they do well in higher ph and mid - higher range hardness. They can be kept alone successfully but it's true - they create a lot of waste especially if you feed them well. Every time I put live plants in with my goldies the snail eats them - so now I feed greens. the snail needs lots of calcium sources so I feed greens high in calcium and keep an eye on the levels in the tank. I'm hoping to set up a separate tank soon with just snails and some freshwater clams. The clams are filter feeders and will help to improve the water quality. try the website applesnails.net for more info on the snails.