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Can apple snails eat butternut squash?
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 8:21 pm
by armored
I've got a bunch of apple snails in my 20-gallon planted tank, and I'm wondering if butternut squash is safe for them. I've fed them zucchini before, but I've got some squash lying around and thought I'd ask. Tank's got a sponge filter, sand substrate, and a bunch of Java moss. Water params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate.
Re: Can apple snails eat butternut squash?
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 9:13 pm
by DreamFox7
Yep, apple snails can totally eat butternut squash. I've fed it to mine for years. Just make sure to blanch it first to soften it up. My snails go nuts for it. I've got a 40-gallon with driftwood and Amazon swords, and they've never had issues. Keep an eye on the leftovers, though, it can mess with your water quality if it sits too long.
Re: Can apple snails eat butternut squash?
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 9:40 pm
by Finnleya
I've tried butternut squash with my snails in a 10-gallon nano tank. They seemed to like it, but it took them a while to finish. I'd recommend cutting it into small pieces. My tank's got a hang-on-back filter and LED lighting, and the snails are doing fine with it.
Re: Can apple snails eat butternut squash?
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 10:03 pm
by fastlane
Gonna try this with my snails too. Got a 30-gallon with a canister filter and some Anubias. How long do you usually leave the squash in before taking it out?
Re: Can apple snails eat butternut squash?
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 10:42 pm
by mole
DreamFox7 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 15, 2025 9:13 pm
Yep, apple snails can totally eat butternut squash. I've fed it to mine for years. Just make sure to blanch it first to soften it up. My snails go nuts for it. I've got a 40-gallon with driftwood and Amazon swords, and they've never had issues. Keep an eye on the leftovers, though, it can mess with your water quality if it sits too long.
Exactly this. Blanching is key. I leave it in for about 12 hours max, then remove any uneaten bits. My 55-gallon has a mix of snails and tetras, and they've all been fine with it.
Re: Can apple snails eat butternut squash?
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 11:03 pm
by Razorthin
My snails are picky eaters, but they'll nibble on squash if I blanch it. I've got a 15-gallon with a sponge filter and some floating plants. Maybe try a small piece first to see if yours are into it.
Re: Can apple snails eat butternut squash?
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 11:33 pm
by goldfishy
Butternut squash is a great option! It's got good nutrients for snails. I've got a 20-gallon with a bunch of hornwort and a power filter. Just make sure to remove any uneaten bits after a day to keep the water clean.
Re: Can apple snails eat butternut squash?
Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2025 12:00 am
by floreta
I've never tried squash with my snails, but now I'm curious. My tank's a 25-gallon with a sand substrate and some Java fern. How often do you feed them squash?
Re: Can apple snails eat butternut squash?
Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2025 12:16 am
by torvak
Squash works fine. My snails eat it no problem. Tank's got a hang-on-back filter and some driftwood. Just cut it small.
Re: Can apple snails eat butternut squash?
Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2025 12:59 am
by crafton
Sounds like a plan. Gonna grab some squash tomorrow. My snails are in a 10-gallon with a sponge filter and some moss balls. Hope they like it.