Mystery Snail and Betta

Question
Hi Lynda,
]I have a betta fish in a 1 gallon bowl rightnow. I was wondereing if i could put a mystery snail in there with him. Or would i need to get a bigger sized bowl. If so would 2.5 gallon work? Thanks for the help!

Mitch

Answer
Hi Mitch,
A mystery snail will grow to be quite big, and will need a 10 gallon aquarium to be comfortable.  The Betta, and the snail need 78-80 degrees water, which means that you will have to invest in a heater.  Bettas in one gallon bowls, if not heated are cold, and miserable, and often die...or get sick.  You could not put an apple snail in a bowl.  Apple snails do best in aquariums, and you must feed it good pellets, and vitamin food.  They eat anything, so it is good to buy them different kinds of food.  Also you should have shells in your water to keep it alkaline without killing your betta.  You should bring the water up to 7 or a little higher as apple snails live in alkaline water.  If the water is too soft, there shell will become soft, and it will get holes in it.  If the snail is small, and your 2,5 gallon is heated, and the water is alkaline, and clean (Remember you must keep your water extremely clean for the betta, and the snail) You must do your water changes every 3 days for a 2.5 gallon.  Sooner or later you will have to buy a 10 gallon.
Hope this helps
Lynda