Fighting Conch

[o2bnh20]

I have a fuge that my conch is in now, it has a 4" sand bed. How would hey do in my other tank that has a gravel substrate?

[o2bnh20]

Is this the wrong forum for this question?

[Snail Guy]

Hi,

As you can see, the bulk of posts here pertain to Tridacnids. Those about "other mollusks" are often steered in Dr. Ron's direction. That said, nope, your question is appropriate to this forum.

Contrary to popular belief, not all conchs live in the sand. Some spend more time on exposed reefs than in sand. But it is true that the vast majority are indeed sand dwellers. I believe this is true for the Fighting Conch (as well as other conchs commonly available for reef aquariums).

If the gravel is not too course, I suppose it might do okay. Personally, I'd leave it in the sand. Would be good to hear what others have to say.

Cheers,
Bob

[o2bnh20]

I just don't want it to lack a food source in a 30g fuge when only appox 2/3 of the tank has sand?

Scott

[Snail Guy]

Hi Scott,

Okay, assuming you have a mature fighting conch and that 2/3 of your 30g refuge tank sand equates to roughly one square foot of surface area...then yes, there's not much food for it to go on and, without offering food, it would slowly starve.

Assuming you have already given this consideration but, aside from a desire to offer it a proper substrate, does your refugium benefit from it being in there?

As for the main system, if the gravel is too course, then is a slow conversion to a sandy medium an option for you? If so, that's what I'd do.

Not sure I've helped with your dilemna...but always good to bounce off ideas.

Cheers,
Bob

[foob]

You could feed your conch. I sometimes feed my queen conch nori even though I have a 16 square feet tank.

[o2bnh20]

That might be an option i'll want to consider. But first I'd still like to know if the gravel is a suitable home. I'd like to alternate him between the sand and the gravel.

[foob]

Does your fighting conch dig into the sand? If it doesn't I think gravel is fine.

[o2bnh20]

foob,

my conch does dig into the sand. But I have also seen him climbing the tanks glass walls?

[foob]

Think alternating him should be fine. I just read they like to dig, so gravel may not be too suitable.

[o2bnh20]

I mean he really digs. I didn't see hime for three days so I probed around last night and found him about 2" under the sand. He was all closed up but his cute little eyes were open! Neat animals to watch

[foob]

Hehe you should have gotten a queen conch. They don't dig, much easier to observe.