https://preview.redd.it/0lyttu3ekeud1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6aaee62b0f0e7b9e3a834d3cd16c5f992d1e7f7

https://preview.redd.it/cdv8zv3ekeud1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f48eece2017e281766aa45628703f99a698583a9

https://preview.redd.it/pccpaw3ekeud1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1d04f17c6cb9e1be02daccfe7c83dd66a67c6d15

The Gap™

Feeding slot

First-time poster here and potential first-time leech keeper

So a few days ago, I finally set up my planted hollow log aquascape. It's my first time keeping live plants and using natural materials, and it's not entirely finished yet as I plan to add a little more greenery so it's not so bare. The hollow log made me think, I've considered keeping leeches in the past, and it would be perfect for them, as it provides a dark space to hide and a bit of dry land to crawl out on.

The only problem is that the aquarium model I have has a few potential routes for escape or getting stuck; the feeding slot in the lid and the gap between the living space and the hardware (filter sponge, pump and heater). I'd love to be able to use what I've got, as everything works and I'm already on a pretty limited budget.

One solution I've considered for sealing the gap is getting a firm plastic mesh covered in a carpeting plant (such as moss or baby tears) and gluing it in place with silicone, so that there's a "hedge" between the hardware and the tank. The feeding slot I'll probably just get a removable cover for.

Could my idea work, or is there something else I should do to seal the gap?

Terrible photo and that’s not the leech with the kink but I got some alders done to help:) they come tomorrow, I’m also gonna put some in my crayfish tank

Is loose susbtrate like sand or mud safe for a naturalistic leech enclosure? Just wondering. I see the environments leeches live in around their natural environments and I want to recreate that with a land area.

2 of my 3 leeches have digestive issues, the one without digestive issues also hasn't pooped though. I fed them on the 26th of august, its been roughly 32 days now. I check the 3 of them in their tanks daily and haven't spotted any poops even during cleaning. Is this normal to take this long? Are their poops discreet, how can I tell if one pooped, as each of their homes has catappa leaves which darkens the water already.

J

Hello! I've been wanting to purchase a leech or leeches for almost 3 years now, but I've come up empty handed on where to buy some from. I've read that leeches . com is unreliable/has major issues and other sites I've looked at don't ship to the US or aren't medical-safe. I can't purchase one at the moment but any advice on where to buy some would be greatly appreciated. I am more than willing to feed them with my own blood but I'm not sure what's safe or not with my medication, the leech gang FB group will not accept me either 😭

Looking for a loophole that will allow Noodle and Vlad to have conjugal visits without risk to their longevity.

So as title says, I found a cocoon in my verbana's home, no idea what to do. Sorta freaking out but typing is helping. Cleaning their love shack, found it in the moss they squished in, i dont want the babies to die but i also dont want 1000+ verbana's to care for. How do i deal with this situation? I thought if i had no land area they wouldn't multiply. The moss was turning sour in the tank so i wanted to clean and replace , found it, took it out and proceeded to hide it from light (idk if that helps) and now im wondering if i keep it moist but not wet or whatever. Please help asap ty leechlovers!

My cat watching leech tv. She loves doing that. <3

Is there anything I can do for an injured leech besides alder cones and catappa leaves that has worked for people? I don't think this leech will make it to be honest, I have 5 leeches in total and Im pretty sure this guy has been bit. He has blood seeping from his tail end and is very lethargic. I have him/her in a seperate jar with extra alder cones and I added a product for fish called Stress Guard, which helps with healing injuries in fish. I don't know what else I can do, and I'm not sure if adding the stress guard was ok. I couldn't think of anything else. I'm so sad for my little guy:(

Trigger warning: discussing dead leeches

Hello dear leech lovers,

I just kind of need to get this off my chest. I found 2 of my 3 H. Verbana dead today. I am very sad and distressed, as I do not know how they died and maybe someone has input? I've seen another thread about this before, but it didn't exactly help my case.

For context, I keep my leeches in a 10 gallon (approx. 40 liters) aquarium with a filter / pump and everything is set and nice, water, temperature, you get the gist. I really do know how to handle them.

I already relocated the third surviving one into a small tank already in hopes to keep him alive. He's very stressed I reckon and I hope he makes it.

One of the two that died vomitted. So that's that. But the other one is a mystery to me. He didn't vomit, but he had a "restriction"? I don't what to call it, I took a picture if anyone with experience /curiosity would want to look at it. My bestest guess is that this form of "restriction" was skin that he couldn't get off but I don't know.

Leeches die sometimes, unfortunately. But especially the one with the "restriction" doesn't let me rest. I would at least want to know how he died, so I can prevent future deaths :-(.

Thank you for listening and responding in advance. Hope you have a great day and that you're leeches are well and wiggly ! :-)

I could t get a good picture but im hoping someone else has seen it?

(descriptions of dead leeches ahead, nothing too graphic just being safe) hey never posted before but I feel I should ask, I've had 11 ribbon leeches for a couple months now and it all seemed to be going well even though I didn't know what I was doing fully, but I've had 3 of them die within the past two weeks and I'm starting to really worry. I know they're supposed to die when they lay (which none of them did for a solid month) but could that be what is happening? the first one I thought was just a freak accident since it looked ripped up (by the others presumably) but the other deaths have looked unharmed, and just a little decomposed for the most recent. does anyone else own these types of leeches that has had a similar experience? would it be something im doing wrong with care? and when I do let the cocoons hatch (been just culling them) how would I take care of them? thank you in advance <3

I've had my leech for a while but, I've started new medication that directly effects my blood pressure. I won't be able to use myself as a feeder source anymore :(

Does anyone have any tips on using liver and blood? I've tried it one time and my leech seems very interested at first but, never latched onto the liver nor the sausage casing I filled with blood. Any tips?

What’s the white fluff on his face (butt?)?