Unwanted snail invasion!

**Jeffreybomb** · 05-03-2007, 09:10 PM

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** · 05-03-2007, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by 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)?

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** · 05-03-2007, 09:47 PM

We've got a 30 gallon vertical hexagon tank.

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

**xoolooxunny** · 05-03-2007, 09:58 PM

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** · 05-03-2007, 10:46 PM

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** · 05-03-2007, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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

**gm72** · 05-03-2007, 11:00 PM

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** · 05-03-2007, 11:26 PM

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

**gm72** · 05-03-2007, 11:29 PM

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

**Chrona** · 05-03-2007, 11:35 PM

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.