Overrun with snails help!

[Lukesrees]

Hi,

For some reason I have loads of tiny snails in my tank, I must have counted 30 of them (the ones I could see). Is this a common problem? How can I get rid of them I have a plant which is growing really well but they must be eating the leaves.

Thanks,

[Tango]

Generally these small snails get into the tank by hitching a ride on plants. For future reference, when you buy a new plant, try to rinse it off really well to dislodge any snails that may be hiding on it.
To get rid of them, you can try removing any you see. Another way to get a bunch of them at once is to place a lettuce leaf inside the tank overnight. In the morning, there should be a bunch there, which you can remove. Keep repeating. (Make sure the leaf doesn't float)
There are also a few different fish that eat them. Puffers eat them, bt they might not be a good idea to buy for a community tank. Yo-yo loaches will aslo eat them. Try looking up a few more fish that eat the snails.

[Lukesrees]

Great, thanks for the reply!

[Lady Hobbs]

Soaking plants for a day in alum and water also kills the snails before you go into the tank.

[rich311k]

They will not eat healthy plants. They will also eat some algae and left over food. Cut back on feedings and remove visable ones and you should have no problems. I rather like having them around.

[Strider199]

Pencil fish love to eat small baby snails if you have enough room in your tank. Just make sure the other tank mates are as gentle.