Snails...

[CezzaXV]

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.

I've always squished them when I've found them and haven't had a problem with crazy numbers.

All of my fish go nuts for snail remains. I feed them live food occasionally but they go even crazier for squished snails.

I don't deem using assassin snails to keep a pest in check cruel at all.

 

[smudge_]

using assassin snails is certainly less cruel than crushing them!

 

[FishFanatic04]

It may be cruel to crush them and throw them in the trash {needless death} But if you crush them and let your fish eat them...its a food chain!

 

[FishLover66]

Just can't bring myself to crush them.

 

[Torred1771]

I dont mind them when they are this little but when they grow to the size of a grape I dont want more than 3 or 4 crawling around.

 

[IcQb]

using assassin snails is certainly less cruel than crushing them!

I'm not so sure

Assasin snales (Anentome helena) creep up towards their pray and penetrate the victim with a feeding tube. They release toxins and enzymes into the prey, liquifying it from the inside.
then they suck up the tasty bits.

Even then (and i'm not saying we should all go out and crush snails) crushing snails does not 'hurt' them as they have no pain receptors as we have. Their small brain (more a cluster of neurons) does not 'feel' pain.

Then again; and I can't stress this enougn; respect all lifeforms!

 

[Torred1771]

using assassin snails is certainly less cruel than crushing them!

I'm not so sure

Assasin snales (Anentome helena) creep up towards their pray and penetrate the victim with a feeding tube. They release toxins and enzymes into the prey, liquifying it from the inside.
then they suck up the tasty bits.

Even then (and i'm not saying we should all go out and crush snails) crushing snails does not 'hurt' them as they have no pain receptors as we have. Their small brain (more a cluster of neurons) does not 'feel' pain.

Then again; and I can't stress this enougn; respect all lifeforms!

What is a respectable way to get rid of them then?

 

[IcQb]

Then one you find appropriate, i guess.

I have anentome helena to keep my MTS in check.
I occasionally scoop dozens of them out (this 450l tank probably has a few hunderds of them )

I don't crush them... they can give you a nasty cut!

 

[fluttermoth]

I have MTS (Malaysian trumpet snails) too, and they're almost uncrushable, even the tiny ones

 

[FishFanatic04]

I think your attitude in disposing of them, shows your respect. I don't want to catch them with a piece of lettuce and throw them in the trash. You should never release them in the wild. SO I feed them to my fish.

I'm not saying that's the only way. If you feel better catching them with the lettuce, then that's probably the most respectful way. Everyone can respect their pest snails differently


edit: Terrible typist.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Get some assassin snails, they are quite nice to watch as they zoom about & have rather fetching stripey shell. If you have trouble getting some I am sure I could spare a couple.


Tom

 

[Torred1771]

Get some assassin snails, they are quite nice to watch as they zoom about & have rather fetching stripey shell. If you have trouble getting some I am sure I could spare a couple.


Tom

That would be great Tom, my LFS rarely gets them in, when they have them they are very expensive!

 

[Aqua Tom]

Get some assassin snails, they are quite nice to watch as they zoom about & have rather fetching stripey shell. If you have trouble getting some I am sure I could spare a couple.


Tom

That would be great Tom, my LFS rarely gets them in, when they have them they are very expensive!

I will PM you.

 

[Torred1771]

Get some assassin snails, they are quite nice to watch as they zoom about & have rather fetching stripey shell. If you have trouble getting some I am sure I could spare a couple.


Tom

That would be great Tom, my LFS rarely gets them in, when they have them they are very expensive!

I will PM you.

Ill reply to it once I get home from work and not using my mobile

 

[IcQb]

Get some assassin snails, they are quite nice to watch as they zoom about & have rather fetching stripey shell. [...]

That also depends a little on the type of substrate you have and how many snails are left.

MTS bury in the sand during the strongest-light hours. So, my helena's are also in the sand.
When the larger MTS come out to play and eat my algae (not so much though ) My helena's are still in the sand looking for the tasty baby MTS that are roaming the substrate.

In the 2 months i have them i've seen them just 2 or 3 times

BUT, smaller and smaller MTS are out of the substrate more of the time, so I can only assume danger still lurks from below