Surprise Guest...

[SouthernCross]

I came and had a look in my tank as I do every morning and what do I see - a little snail climbing his way up the front wall of my tank! Completely unexpected! I'm guessing it hitched a ride on one of the plants I got about 3 weeks ago - but I'm surprised I hadn't noticed him by now! I don't mind him being there (as long as it can't hurt my fish or plants?) - I guess he'll be great for keeping the walls clean. His body is a dark grey colour and his shell is a dark colour too. He is probably less than 1cm long.

My concern is though - will this one snail end up turning into hundreds??? I've read horror stories of snail populations getting out of control. Will it be ok if there's only this one snail (ideal!) lurking in there? I have no idea if they're the type of animal who can reproduce on their own or what... if it is, what are my options to keep things under control? I've heard of the clown loach option but I only have a 3 foot tank...

Thanks!

 

[NoRp]

if you realy want snails id buy some larger ones from your local lfs and a catfish
the catfish wil eat most small snails ( but posibly the large ones) and one snail allways turns into999999999 over about a year lol

 

[SouthernCross]

I already have a few bronze cories. But they're only tiny! Can't see them eating them. I didn't really want snails, no, but I'm not against having the one that's turned up as long as he doesn't cause damage (population or otherwise). I thought throwing him away would be kinda cruel... so you're saying it will produce more on its own?

 

[pica_nuttalli]

SC, you can essentially ignore the previous advice--its a case of knowing just enough to be dangerous. most catfish do NOT eat snails and owning one snail only rarely leads to the establishment of a colony because most snails reproduce sexually (i.e. with a partner).

the reason that it often seems that one snail suddenly becomes an infestation of snails is that the first one(s) you see are merely the first to hatch. primarily it's the snail eggs that hitchhike in on your plants and then the adult snails show up later.

i personally am a big fan of snails because they're generally effective algae eaters. some will wind up munching on plants, but most species are content with eating leftover fish food and "reprocessing" solid fish wastes. snail populations are pretty strictly limited by the amount of available food, so if you ever start to feel infested, its probably because your feeding the tank too much.

as for removing/reducing a snail population, you have a few good options. you can remove the snails by hand as you see them. you can add a snail-eating fish to the tank; Botia loaches are the most famous for being good snail-eaters. (don't add a puffer fish! they aren't community safe). i've also heard of various cichlids and bettas snacking on snails from time-to-time, but don't expect them to make a serious dent in the population. or you could try to start a colony of trumpet snails--i don't have any direct proof, but i'm convinced that they eat up other snails. i know that MTS eat snail eggs.

 

[SouthernCross]

Thanks very much pica!

Yeah, I didn't think that bit about the catfish sounded right!
Well hopefully this one will be the only one I see. Like I said, I've had the plants for well over three weeks so I would have thought any hatchings might have happened by now - though I am still shocked I never saw it earlier, with the amount of time I spend staring at the tank!
I'll keep an eye on things. If I start seeing multiple snails I think I'll remove them...

 

[*Fishkies*]

The last time my friend and I brought live plants home for the LFS we had snails. Lots of them!! They were pond snails and these guys reproduce quite quickly!! Their eggs are green but in a clear gel so that you can never see them. It just looks like a drop of water hanging off your tank hood. Until its time for the eggs to hatch and then the sack drops into the water. There are a few links below showing pictures of a pond snail. If this is what you have, I'd suggest getting rid of him.

Link 1

Link 2

 

[Nevergone815]

SC, you can essentially ignore the previous advice--its a case of knowing just enough to be dangerous. most catfish do NOT eat snails and owning one snail only rarely leads to the establishment of a colony because most snails reproduce sexually (i.e. with a partner).

the reason that it often seems that one snail suddenly becomes an infestation of snails is that the first one(s) you see are merely the first to hatch. primarily it's the snail eggs that hitchhike in on your plants and then the adult snails show up later.

i personally am a big fan of snails because they're generally effective algae eaters. some will wind up munching on plants, but most species are content with eating leftover fish food and "reprocessing" solid fish wastes. snail populations are pretty strictly limited by the amount of available food, so if you ever start to feel infested, its probably because your feeding the tank too much.

as for removing/reducing a snail population, you have a few good options. you can remove the snails by hand as you see them. you can add a snail-eating fish to the tank; Botia loaches are the most famous for being good snail-eaters. (don't add a puffer fish! they aren't community safe). i've also heard of various cichlids and bettas snacking on snails from time-to-time, but don't expect them to make a serious dent in the population. or you could try to start a colony of trumpet snails--i don't have any direct proof, but i'm convinced that they eat up other snails. i know that MTS eat snail eggs.

This advice is spot on. Just varifying that this is some good advice and you should follow it... or at least listen to it ... Good luck with whatever you decide!!!

The last time my friend and I brought live plants home for the LFS we had snails. Lots of them!! They were pond snails and these guys reproduce quite quickly!! Their eggs are green but in a clear gel so that you can never see them. It just looks like a drop of water hanging off your tank hood. Until its time for the eggs to hatch and then the sack drops into the water. There are a few links below showing pictures of a pond snail. If this is what you have, I'd suggest getting rid of him.

Link 1

Link 2

I had one of these in a betta tank I had. I specifically asked the lfs if I could have it as it looked different and actually was liek a flame color. Too bad my betta ate it

 

[*Fishkies*]

I had one of these in a betta tank I had. I specifically asked the lfs if I could have it as it looked different and actually was liek a flame color. Too bad my betta ate it

Your betta ate it!? That's a shame, especially since you actually got it!

 

[SouthernCross]

Well, I just went to have a look to confirm is thats what it looks like - and I can't find the bastard! He's hiding! Must know of my intentions. But I'm pretty sure it is a pond snail - all dark in colour and fairly round from what I remember from this morning. I've tried googling images of different types of aquarium snails and I think it's the closest. Might be best to get rid of him then If he ever comes out that is!!!
I know this sounds awful, but whats the best way to kill it? Just smoosh it? I can't imagine it would do the waterways any good if it escaped alive...

 

[Nevergone815]

I had one of these in a betta tank I had. I specifically asked the lfs if I could have it as it looked different and actually was liek a flame color. Too bad my betta ate it

Your betta ate it!? That's a shame, especially since you actually got it!

Yea it was like idk 1cm big and it was awsome looking. I knew it was a common pond snail and was hoping for more. (At the time I had a puffer and was looking for a variety of snails to feed ot see what it liked and what reproduced the fastest... well I knew I shoulda put it in the snail tank, but for some stupid reason I put it in the betta tank thinking it wouldn't eat it. after about 3 days I couldn't find it anymore and my betta had a fat stomach, and he was on a fasting day. Don't worry, I didn't pay for it

 

[SouthernCross]

I honest to god cannot find this snail again! Hahaha. Maybe he climbed out the back and escaped? Never know, he might turn up again - took me 3 weeks to notice him the first time anyway.

 

[vancouver]

Probably amongst the gravel.. I'm a snail fan so I wouldn't get rid of it..

I'm quite sure they breed asexually so 1 will turn into more.. I have a bunch of them in my tank.. don't touch the plants.

If you decide to kill it, just squish it.. Stick it in a bag, let all the air out, and stomp it.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

if you do decide to get rid don't squish it into your tank, although your fish will probably eat and enjoy it, it can release eggs into the water and you'll end up with a load of them.

 

[Nevergone815]

if you do decide to get rid don't squish it into your tank, although your fish will probably eat and enjoy it, it can release eggs into the water and you'll end up with a load of them.

Yea that would be worse for the OP. Getting rid of one snail while single handedly creating millions

Sorry I shouldn't find that funny , But like vancouver I'm a snail fan too. I would keep it. Most snails don't hurt, they are only beneficial!

 

[LisaLQ]

They dont half "hurt" your plants though lol.