Unwanted snail invasion!

[Jeffreybomb]

It started with one snail -- now there's just too damn many! It seems like we're always either finding new snails or finding the gummy mounds of snails-to-be. How do we get rid of these pests (or at least thin out their numbers)?

[hungryhound]

It started with one snail -- now there's just too damn many! It seems like we're always either finding new snails or finding the gummy mounds of snails-to-be. How do we get rid of these pests (or at least thin out their numbers)?

It depends on how big your tank is? There are fish that find them to be a delicacy. I believe that there are chemicals that you can add to kil them, but I wouldn't recommend them.

A cheap easy solution I read about is putting a piece of zuchini in the water over night. When you get up in the morning the snails should be all over it. Just lift it out to remove the snails, and repeat to thin the heard.

[Jeffreybomb]

We've got a 30 gallon vertical hexagon tank.

Zuchini, huh? That's crazy! I gotta try that. Thanks for the advice!

[xoolooxunny]

You can also pick them out, along with the snail eggs. Or if there is tons, you can vacuum them out when its time for a water change.

Also, cut back on feeding, they chow on leftover food.

[Lady Hobbs]

Salt will also kill them as well as loaches. I've heard of people putting a glass or jar in the tank, as well, and putting the zucchini in that.

[xoolooxunny]

Salt will also kill them as well as loaches. I've heard of people putting a glass or jar in the tank, as well, and putting the zucchini in that.

been there done that, my tank mates are too small tho, and they get in the glass and throw a fit.

[gm72]

They usually lay their eggs at the waterline at the top of the tank. You can scrape the eggs off before they hatch to help control the population.

[crackatinny]

I am a great believer in natural solutions where possible, if you have the room, invest in a couple of yoyo loaches.

[gm72]

Agreed. Allow the "infestation" to further develop the aquatic environment!

[Chrona]

Whatever you do, don't use snail killers. They often use chemicals like copper sulfate that are almost as bad for fish. And you'd have to make sure you vacuumed ALL of the dead snails out, or you'd have a hell of an ammonia spike. Long term snail control = control feeding and don't let any food hit the substrate.

[gm72]

Totally agreed. They can only feed if you give them food (kind of like a "duh" statement, but I mean it to echo what Chrona is saying about not letting extra food accumulate). Scrape the eggs, vacuum, don't overfeed. It will be a constant battle for a while, but you'll win and you'll enjoy watching the snails.

[sergo]

don't use chemicals! a yoyo loach is best and most simple soultion to your problem. those guys will devour snails at an astonishing pace. depending on how big you tank is as to how many you need. but, you will want at least 2 so they can be comfortable.

[Rue]

...I had a major snail issue in my 25g...but I vacuumed so well...I don't even have enough snails to feed to my puffers! LOL...

...but the zucchini works very well...

[Wallyfish]

Is it alright to substitute with cucumber? thats all I have in the house.

[myster619]

Get a lobster or a crab.

[zackish]

You also have to realize that snails are good for your tank. How many are you talking is a ridiculous amount and how big are they. I know I have several baby snails in my tank about half the size of a pea.

[Wallyfish]

Well just glancing at my tank for a few seconds I could see about 10 of them. I know there is more. This is only a 6 gallon tank. I like a good mystery snail. These snails however are more like small roaches. The cucumber didn't work.

[Ark6ie]

id agree with what everyone else was saying about loaches. theyre great snail killers!!!!

[cocoa_pleco]

id agree with what everyone else was saying about loaches. theyre great snail killers!!!!


lol, as i learnt with my banded loach and golden snails

[Ark6ie]

its crazy what loaches do to snails... i had four mystery snails in my tank about the size of those big marbles, the four loaches (2 clown, 2 yoyo) kept biting at the snails and killed them overnight. the loaches were so much smaller than the snails so i didnt think it would be a problem, i was sooooo wrong.

[Wallyfish]

I am seriously considering putting my betta and 3 corys in a 10gal quarantine tank and buying a 3 baby clown loaches to kill the snails. Either that or a dwarf puffer.

[Ark6ie]

go with the clowns, not only will they eradicate your snail invasion, they are extremely cute and a funny addition to your tank. i love mine :41:

[Kuli_Loach]

Do NOT keep the clowns in there, I don't recommend that at all, clowns get HUGE and need a lot of room. Perhaps a smaller loach will be fine or put a puffer in there, they love snails.

[Chaindriven]

Welcome to the Aquatic Community. Clown loaches, they absolutely love to eat snails. I suggest two or three. They get lonely. Good luck it's nice to have you aboard.