Snails During A Fish Less Cycle

[rebrn]

Hello, so some of you know I got my 55 gallon tank used with the filter (already cycled) a couple of weeks ago. Anyway, I decided to run through a fish less cycle just to make sure the old filter did not loose any bacteria during the transport. Good thing I did because the filter is going through a mini cycle, stalled for a little bit but back on track now. At any rate, a couple of days ago, I found a bunch (around 10) little baby snails and some planaria in the tank. I know the planaria is harmless but removed what I could find (just a few little worms around 5, haven't seen any since), but now I have these snails which I just don't understand. The tank did have snails in it previously, most were removed by hand, but of course, we suspected there would be eggs. Anyway, when I got the tank home, I removed all the old gravel substrate (did not reuse it), and cleaned the tank with ammonia (did this because it is the best glass cleaner I know, and since I was going to be running a cycle anyway I figured it would be less harmful to the bacteria then cleaning with bleach), I did not clean the filter box only the tank, and I think that is where the snail eggs were hiding. What I don't understand is how they have been able to survive the high ammonia concentrate (4ppm)? Also, I don't mind a snail or two but 10 is a little more than what I would like to have. How should I get rid of them? I am nervous to add more ammonia because I don't want to hurt them unnecessarily, also I friend of mine does want some snails and the local LFS said they would take the rest so just not sure the best way to catch them. They are awfully small and I am worried that if I try to pick them up I will crush them.

Thanks

 

[Night61]

Hello, so some of you know I got my 55 gallon tank used with the filter (already cycled) a couple of weeks ago. Anyway, I decided to run through a fish less cycle just to make sure the old filter did not loose any bacteria during the transport. Good thing I did because the filter is going through a mini cycle, stalled for a little bit but back on track now. At any rate, a couple of days ago, I found a bunch (around 10) little baby snails and some planaria in the tank. I know the planaria is harmless but removed what I could find (just a few little worms around 5, haven't seen any since), but now I have these snails which I just don't understand. The tank did have snails in it previously, most were removed by hand, but of course, we suspected there would be eggs. Anyway, when I got the tank home, I removed all the old gravel substrate (did not reuse it), and cleaned the tank with ammonia (did this because it is the best glass cleaner I know, and since I was going to be running a cycle anyway I figured it would be less harmful to the bacteria then cleaning with bleach), I did not clean the filter box only the tank, and I think that is where the snail eggs were hiding. What I don't understand is how they have been able to survive the high ammonia concentrate (4ppm)? Also, I don't mind a snail or two but 10 is a little more than what I would like to have. How should I get rid of them? I am nervous to add more ammonia because I don't want to hurt them unnecessarily, also I friend of mine does want some snails and the local LFS said they would take the rest so just not sure the best way to catch them. They are awfully small and I am worried that if I try to pick them up I will crush them.

Thanks

the snails you have are a of a pest verity, i have a general rule when it comes to snail, if you are not sure how they got to your tank or they are free, they are not a good snail to introduce into any take, for there population will explode and become a nuisance.
if you really want to catch them i have heard putting an lettuce leaf in will attract them.

 

[rebrn]

Thanks for the tip. It is not that I am particularly attached to these snails or even really want them, I just feel kinda bad to out right kill them. But I am kind of curious as to how much ammonia will actually kill them, I mean they are living in a tank now with ammonia readings of up to 4ppm (again fish less cycling). I would have thought that much ammonia would have killed them but they seem to be thriving with the high ammonia levels, weird

 

[Night61]

in my experience snails are hardy it takes a lot to get rid of them. if you really want a snail go with mystery snails they are great little snail.

 

[rebrn]

In my 2 smaller tanks I will be going with snails of some sort, eithor mystery, MTS or zebra snails, haven't decided yet, and may not even get them. But these snails are in the 55 gallon, and I really had no intention of putting snails in that tank. So I will try the lettuce leaf and see how that goes, I mostly just want them out, but if I can do that humanly and give them to someone who wants them all the better.