OMG Major Snail infestation

[Mondego]

I had the same problem with my grandpas tank that I mantain. First I tried to handpick them out, but just kept discovering more and more as I lifted things. They had even gotten into the filter and started to clog it. I then tried lettuce, and it worked pretty well. It didn't get rid of everything, but they aren't taking over the tank anymore. Snails are such a pain in the butt. I will definitely wash any live plants VERY well next time. And as for the gel-like eggs. I can almost guarantee that they are there somewhere. I had them hooked onto everything. Check on ornaments on the filter, and on plant leaves.

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i'm curious as to how lettuce worked for you. is it like poison to them?

i was interested in the loach idea until morgan said they dig up plants. will all loaches do this?

 

[morgan]

I don't know if all loaches dig, but the Yoyo ones definitely do. I got Yoyos because my tank is only 20uk gals and you shouldn't have just one. Before I had the loaches I had lovely plants in my tank. I had a forest of valis which grew from one small piece, that is totally gone now. Trashed! I suppose people who like loaches don't mind buying plants on a regular basis. The other plants are blemished by the snails! My tank isn't looking too nice at the moment. I was tempted to use meds but I have read that they contain copper and I think that would harm my pleco. I am going to try some of the advice on here. Good luck getting rid of your snails.

 

[riogal_11]

The way the lettuce works is you put it in and wait for all of the snails to get on it.(They like to eat it) Once they are all on there you simply dispose of the lettuce piece, thus getting rid of everything on it. Just keep doing it until they are all gone. I used to have a hard time doing this, as I hate killing anything. But I had no choice.

 

[Mondego]

thanks for the info about the lettuce. i also read that cucumbers work just as good if not better.

but do i have to strip the skin from a cucumber though? or just drop it in?

the loaches are sounding better as well, but i'm definitally not liking how they uproot things.

i read on some other forums that this one fish owner says his sailfin pleco eats snail eggs. has anyone had any experience with fish that eats snail eggs? they are my #1 concern as if i get a loach the snail shell will drop and make the water hard.