Snails

[Floyds mum]

I know a thread like this has been done but what tropical or sub-tropical fish is there out there that aint too big but eats small snails?
I have a 64L fully cycled tank, i know clown loaches do but i think they grow quite big and they have to be kept in groups?
I have a male betta, white clouds and dwarf corys.

 

[kelly528]

I know a thread like this has been done but what tropical or sub-tropical fish is there out there that aint too big but eats small snails?
I have a 64L fully cycled tank, i know clown loaches do but i think they grow quite big and they have to be kept in groups?
I have a male betta, white clouds and dwarf corys.

Loaches should do the trick, but a few assassin snails might do the job on a lower bioload.

Also, by 64L do you mean a 64 gallon 'long' tank, or simply 64 litres?

 

[Floyds mum]

I know a thread like this has been done but what tropical or sub-tropical fish is there out there that aint too big but eats small snails?
I have a 64L fully cycled tank, i know clown loaches do but i think they grow quite big and they have to be kept in groups?
I have a male betta, white clouds and dwarf corys.

Loaches should do the trick, but a few assassin snails might do the job on a lower bioload.

How common are asseassin snails? My lfs might not stock them, Would i be able to keep a pair in my 64L or even one clown loach?

 

[kelly528]

Hmmmm... the small tank is going to make this fun!

First off, what kind of snails are these?

You might be able to track down some assassin snails either by finding a LFS that will order them, or, if you can find a good aquarium forum based in your area, you could probably track some down through classifieds or at least get in touch with someone who knows which stores near you carry them.

Probably the least complicated method of getting rid of your snails is to skip-out on predation and place a piece of boiled lettuce or something in your tank overnight and pull it out in the morning when it's covered in snails... this treatment will probably take a few nights of repetition though...

 

[Floyds mum]

Hmmmm... the small tank is going to make this fun!

First off, what kind of snails are these?

You might be able to track down some assassin snails either by finding a LFS that will order them, or, if you can find a good aquarium forum based in your area, you could probably track some down through classifieds or at least get in touch with someone who knows which stores near you carry them.

Probably the least complicated method of getting rid of your snails is to skip-out on predation and place a piece of boiled lettuce or something in your tank overnight and pull it out in the morning when it's covered in snails... this treatment will probably take a few nights of repetition though...

Oh right, i dont know what type they are, they are very small and grey.
So the asassin snails are the best bet? no loaches or other small fish that will eat them?

 

[kelly528]

Yeah. In a small tank I don't really think it is worth it to buy a new fish for the job, escpescially since you are pretty much at a comfortable capacity.

It is still well worth it to either remove the snails with lettuce. Either that or you can remove the fish into a QT, heated bucket or something and crank the temperature up to 86 or so for a few days. Removing the snails without the help of a predator will probably be easier and more economical in a tank of your size.

Also, products like Had-A-Snail or even any medication with copper (ie. pretty much all medications) will do the job while still being safe for the fish.

 

[Floyds mum]

Yeah. In a small tank I don't really think it is worth it to buy a new fish for the job, escpescially since you are pretty much at a comfortable capacity.

It is still well worth it to either remove the snails with lettuce. Either that or you can remove the fish into a QT, heated bucket or something and crank the temperature up to 86 or so for a few days. Removing the snails without the help of a predator will probably be easier and more economical in a tank of your size.

Also, products like Had-A-Snail or even any medication with copper (ie. pretty much all medications) will do the job while still being safe for the fish.

ive looked up assassin snails online and love the look of them if anyone knows of anywhere that stocks them in/near Lincoln city area or will post to me, think ill only need a few. hehe but will have a looky for treatments, i have a smaller tank cycling atm so i might try taking fish out and cranking heat up abit sometime soon. I think i might have the odd srimp somewhere not too sure lol. thanx for info ppl.
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Do you know where online sells it in uk? it looks quite expensive unless im looking in wrong place?

 

[kbod]

hi as your in licolnshire not too far from me ..woodthorpe aquatics sell them £1.99 just give them a call before you go as they sell quick ...also seen them at p@h grimsby ..hope it helps kaz x
have pm'd you ...

 

[Inchworm]

Also, products like Had-A-Snail or even any medication with copper (ie. pretty much all medications) will do the job while still being safe for the fish.

It's never a good idea to use this product in a tank with fish. Not only will you have unnecessary chemicals in the water, but you will have dead and decaying snails there too. Since they will then have to be picked out by hand, why not just do that from the start?

 

[OldMan47]

Right you are Inchworm. That stuff will make it impossible to stock things like shrimp that people really enjoy and even "safe" copper levels for fish are hard on the fish.