Loach And Snails

[rhi]

So I've been doing my research but now im at a lost because I bought a clown loach (about 3-4in) for my 30 gallon to clear out my snail problems (have a 45 to put him in after). I've have had it for 3 weeks now but the snail population doesnt seem to have increase plus I dont really see him eat the snails. I have gravel, not sand (Could that be the problem because the snails tend to dig into the gravel) Do I need more loach since they enjoy being in groups or do I have to starve it so I could take out the snail and how long does it take for them to actually start eating snails? Any suggestions would be fine.

 

[attibones]

I would be very concerned about the loach's barbels. Gravel can really do damage on them. They are extremely social fish, so you'd need a large group (around 10) if you had the necessary 100+ gallon aquarium. Your best bet would be to return this loach and get assassin snails. They don't mind the gravel and will be able to get the snails on your substrate that your loach can not reach.

 

[rhi]

Alright thanks. I was planning to return it cause I didnt see much progress. IS one assassin enough to get rid of them. Not very sure about assassin snails but know that they can get rid of them.

 

[richpowell1989]

Alright thanks. I was planning to return it cause I didnt see much progress. IS one assassin enough to get rid of them. Not very sure about assassin snails but know that they can get rid of them.

Dont relli think 1 assassin snail will do anything in the quickest sense. 1 assassin snail will only eat 3-4 snails a week so its relli down to you

 

[attibones]

I'd get several assassins. They breed in freshwater conditions, but with multiple snails, they will assist with your pest problem.

 

[rhi]

Alright thanks. Can assasin change gender?

 

[attibones]

Aah, no. I'm not sure there is a way for them to change sex.