The attack of the somewhat bothersome snails!!!

[DormDrax]

Oh you bothersome snails!

Really... That's all...
Few weeks ago it just seems like my, controlled, snail population was maybe around 10 little guys. Now I have probably over a hundred of the little nasties!

Been reading of some methods, and kinda annoyed that nothing I have will eat them... Sure the Bamboo shrimp now and then will stumble upon an egg clutch but not often.

May they the salt shaker with lettuce in it method (as a snail trap). Since I don't want to risk chemicals.

I'm just wondering what caused this SHIFT... In the ecosystem of the tank...

Things that have been altered:
Lowered Tank Temp 4 Degrees (had been on the high end for bettas) and wanted to make it more suitable for the Bamboo Shrimp...
No filter Baffle (Bamboo Shrimo like currents)
....
*shrugs*

Still no red flags as too sudden explosion of Snails, had to scrape like 30 off my filter hood (so gross)... Going to dismantle filter tomorrow .... Not looking forward to what may be in it *shudders*

[TheCheese909]

I've heard putting a slice of cucumber or something similar to that in the tank over night will make things easier. When you get up in the morning there will be a bunch of snails nomming on it and you can just pick it up with them on it and throw it away.

[DormDrax]

Well gonna open up the filter......

[Meggie6347]

Assassin snails?

[DormDrax]

Originally Posted by Meggie6347

Assassin snails?

No one seems to sell those! (and I'm a cheapskate)
...
Ok filter cleaned out and now to do a good ol water change...

*within 4 seconds a snail gets lodged in the gravel vac
Stopping it*
*my reaction*

[Pilot00]

Dont know if you can support them in your tank or want them but clown loaches are the way to go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMnOGn2shHg

They are snail specialists 3 of them can destroy populations of snails.

The bloom you experience probably has to do with an abundance of food.

Throw in the tank 3 loaches and reduce feeding. They will exterminate them.

[Meggie6347]

Originally Posted by Pilot00

Dont know if you can support them in your tank or want them but clown loaches are the way to go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMnOGn2shHg

They are snail specialists 3 of them can destroy populations of snails.

The bloom you experience probably has to do with an abundance of food.

Throw in the tank 3 loaches and reduce feeding. They will exterminate them.

Clown loaches can grow to over a foot long. Almost a foot and a half if I am correct. They are sold in many stores, however, at about 1.5 inches, which is why many people plop them into smaller tanks. They need a minimum tank size of 75 gallons and do best in groups...although I am sure they are excellent with snails! If your tank fits the requirements and you are able to put in extra care for them, go for it!

But if not, try another method. I've heard good success stories about the lettuce and cucumber. However, I tried it a few years back and it didn't work AT ALL. There was not one snail on that thing! Whether that's because my tank is planted, I don't know...but it's worth a shot!

If not, I would not try to get rid of them with the stuff you buy from the store. If I'm correct, it contains a lot of copper, which is NOT good for the fish...personally, I'd rather just put up with the snails!

You could also just crush the snails as you see them...many fish like to eat it once it's crushed...I know, a little gross...

Like I said, though, assassin snails work wonders! Though I would get a few of them...it takes a little while for them to ge going, but once they do....empty snail shells laying around everywhere! They are also rather cool looking and are neat as they like t bury themselves in the gravel if your lfs doesn't carry them, you could probably snatch a good load of them off eBay for a good price! Keep in mind, though, I've heard a few people say they don't do much, but MANY people love them, as well. I hate snails, even mystery snails and others that people like t keep; they gross me out! But I love my assassins!

Also, a little tip, cut back on feeding a bit...many times that is the cause of the snail population explosion

Good luck with your snail problem! Hope this helped!
Meg

[Pilot00]

The lettuce and cucumber method has a drawback: What about the eggs? It is a stopgap method i think not permanent.

Do assassin snails breed in a tank? If yes they will replace the colony with their own.

Clown loaches grow about 16 inches max size. The op didnt gave us tank specification though, thats why i proposed that .
The up think for them is that they will keep eating whatever snail they find and they also search the gravel so not even buried they can escape.

[Pogthefish]

Just tie a thin cloth or pantyhose around the filter intake to keep snailies out.

[Meggie6347]

Originally Posted by Pilot00

The lettuce and cucumber method has a drawback: What about the eggs? It is a stopgap method i think not permanent.

Do assassin snails breed in a tank? If yes they will replace the colony with their own.

Clown loaches grow about 16 inches max size. The op didnt gave us tank specification though, thats why i proposed that .
The up think for them is that they will keep eating whatever snail they find and they also search the gravel so not even buried they can escape.

I figured that's why you mentioned the clown loaches just wanted to clear that up for the op just in case!

Assassin snails do breed, but very, very slowly...if I'm correct they lay 1 egg at a time, then the newborns will bury themselves under the substrate for the first few months. Ive had assassins for a while now...I've never had a baby. (thats IME, anyway).