The Puffer Forum

I assume this is a bad idea, but the lady who runs the LFS apparently has a Koi pond with filtration and the works. She says the water is crystal clear (not that that matters) and she would be MORE than happy to give me a bunch of snails to feed my puffers. I assume this is a bad idea. Is it a bad idea or would it probably be OK since the pond has a filtration system and stuff?

Nah, pond snails should be fine for puffers! Wait for some more responses, though, as I've been known to be wrong! ^_^

As long as she isn't putting funky chemicals in there I don't see a problem with it.

don't see a problem with it at all, unless as stated she's adding chemicals to the water. Maybe to make sure quarantine them first

I have fed snails straight from my pond, probably wasnt the best idea should have really quarantined them first but I was confident there was nothing wrong with the water. If you can get some large pond snails from this pond, slap em in a tank and use them as breeding stock for lots lots more.

I got these snails today but decided against feeding. They looked decrepit. Their shells were brittle and pitted. Some had the whole "top layer" of shell missing. They looked bad. Lady said she uses no chemicals and her Koi are in great shape but I didn't want to risk it.

Probably for the best.

I would do as hilly says and keep some to breed from. You can feed these up on good quality vegetables and flake food and they would be perfect for your puff.

Its always advisable to quarantine anyithng you add to your tank though.