Snails...

[Torred1771]

My LFS warned me that I might get snails with my live plants, and sure enough I found the first one this morning. I didnt really want snails so they suggested an assasin snail to get rid of but that seems a bit harsh...are there any bad sides to snails and what is a good way of getting rid?

 

[paulyoung666]

and what is a good way of getting rid?

just crush them , the shells are thin anyway , have fun

 

[Symo420]

This happened in my girlfriends tank, starting at about 30 and now escalating to about 80! I researched the topic, and the best I found was putting in a lettuce leaf in the tank overnight and removing it with the snails on it. Also, feed your fish less, even give them a day off. This is also good for some fishes digestion and give them a chance to catch up.

 

[fishypps]

I got A snail come in with my plants, like suggested, i was told to put a lettuce leaf on the bottom overnight and see if they climb onto the leaf, dispose of the leaf in the morning. Lots of fish like to eat them crushed up so it's not REALLY cruel, afterall... what are you going to do with the ones that you take out of the tank? Throw them in the bin?! They're a nice healthy snack for your fishies!

 

[Torred1771]

Thanks, I might try the lettuce trick. I dont think my Rasboras would be interested in eating snails though...

I do tend to only feed them every other day though...

 

[Torred1771]

I found two snails now....

 

[fluttermoth]

Rasboras will be happy to eat the snails if you squish them; I've never yet met a fish that won't (except maybe plecs).

 

[Torred1771]

Will they eat them as soon as i squash them?

 

[Torred1771]

How fast do these things grow btw, one of them has nearly doubled in size in the past few hours

 

[fluttermoth]

The fish will soon learn if you have enough. They don't grow that quickly; that's another snail!

 

[Torred1771]

Ive just counted about 15!!!

 

[FishLover66]

I'm not sure how accurate this info is, but I was told my a LFS associate NOT to crush the snails that come in with plants but definitely remove them. They may contain eggs and then you'd have a TON more snails in short order. I was told the type of snails that hike a ride on plants multiply like crazy--even if there's only ONE.

I've removed several snails from my tank since I've added live plants. Ended up giving them to my oldest daughter since she didn't want me to just throw them out--she now has a container with them in it.

 

[FishBlast]

I'm not sure how accurate this info is, but I was told my a LFS associate NOT to crush the snails that come in with plants but definitely remove them. They may contain eggs and then you'd have a TON more snails in short order. I was told the type of snails that hike a ride on plants multiply like crazy--even if there's only ONE.

I've removed several snails from my tank since I've added live plants. Ended up giving them to my oldest daughter since she didn't want me to just throw them out--she now has a container with them in it.

Aww, snail tank X) Snails can be cute little things if kept in a place where they won't do damage. So good idea giving her the snails.

 

[sadguppy]

As long as you keep an eye on the population and don't let it explode by overfeeding, I think they can be quite entertaining!

 

[fluttermoth]

Yeah, I have to say, I like my snails. I have snails (and a few assassins to keep the numbers in check) in all my tanks; and I've got a few goldfish bowls, just for snails, around the house