Snails. Friend or Foe?

[lacefacefish]

I have recently found some snails in my tank, which I am pretty sure came from a new plant I purchased at the pet store. They are small and I have only seen a few but I know they can quickly multiply. Do they keep your tank cleaner or do they just add more waste? I like how they look in the tank but if they are only adding more waste (and more of themselves) i'm not sure i want them there...any suggestions?

[Dave66]

They are probably pond snails, Physa species. As long as you don't overfeed your fishes you won't have a snail bloom.

Pond snails do a remarkable job of keeping the glass clean and keeping algae at bay. As long as you vacuum regularly to make sure debris doesn't accumulate around decorations and you'll have just a handful of snails in your tank.

Dave

[lacefacefish]

That makes me feel better because the lady i asked at the pet store made it seem like the snails were doomed to take over my tank unless I got rid of them, and I really didn't want to kill them. Thanks!

[bignellm]

+1 to Dave66. Friend if your good about maint, foe if your not and overfeed.

[Lady Hobbs]

To me, it depends on the type of snail. Apple Snails or Assassin Snail would be friend to me. Pond or Trumpets totally FOE. Hate them both.