at a local stream with fast running water I picked up about 12 large snails.. once cleaned up they are a dark brown to black in color. they have the cone shape to them and are fairly large.. almost 1 inch in diameter and larger. with them in a local stream on rocks are they ok for aquarium use? I also found a stem plant growing in the fast moving water as well.. long and thin like rotala colorata.. but a deep green. if it is bleach dipped.. would it hurt to try and plant it in a different aquarium other than my main tank?

I'd try it in a little natural tank before putting it anywhere near your main tank. I've seen people make tanks with all natural things ie river clay, local plants. Just make sure it's not illegal to gather them from where you're taking them.

well, the worst that could possibly happen is a collapse of the tank's ecosystem. I would think that as long as you make sure the plants and snails are clean, they won't cause a catastrophic ecosystem collapse.


EDIT: another thing to keep in mind... I don't know about up around Crown Point, but here around Indy there are still occationally small amounts of toxic chemicals found in the wildlife (specifically in the White River) due to the industrial spills (i believe some mercury and something else) and subsequent fish kills that happened in the late '90's. Typically it's not significant, but it only takes one still-contaminated plant to ruin an entire tank.

Snails can carry parasites and diseases which may harm your fish.

The snails could eat your plants.

I'd QT both in a different tank for at least a few weeks, probably even more than a month if it were me, and dip the plants first as well.

nah.. I am not going to chance it.. I am going to take them back and let them go!