View Full Version : snail eating fish choices
easilyconfused
09-05-2007, 2:24 AM
I was wondering if there are any good snail eating fish that would work for a 20 gallon long with 6 serpae tetras and a common pleco. Or am I stuck with manual removal?
tel0004
09-05-2007, 2:27 AM
That common pleco is going to get big, very big. I wouldn't add any more fish. Stick with manual removal, and read up on snail traps to catch them. Its usually a bad idea to add a fish to fix a problem, esp, when that fish might cause other problems.
That common pleco is going to get big, very big. I wouldn't add any more fish. Stick with manual removal, and read up on snail traps to catch them. Its usually a bad idea to add a fish to fix a problem, esp, when that fish might cause other problems.
:iagree:
easilyconfused
09-05-2007, 11:28 AM
It's not a problem yet, I'm just a firm believer in planning ahead so it doesn't become an issue and the easiest way would be to try and figure out if there is a fish I could add to my tank to keep them in check. I don't think I'll be replacing this pleco if it dies. As the old saying goes "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".
Ajordan
09-05-2007, 11:34 AM
to answer your question I would consider puffers or some type of loach (yoyo's come to mind). The immediate issue with keeping happy loaches is that they like groups and a group of 3 yoyo's (Botia Lohachata or almorhae (spelling?)) will likely be a bit cramped in a 20g. Snails aren't all bad either... I don't much about puffers but they may be worth a look, I have heard they do a number on snails.
I like how you are thinking ahead, even if it ends in manual removal of snails.
silentskream
09-05-2007, 11:52 AM
keep your tank clean and you wont need a snail eater.
considering the pleco will get to be 18 inches long, he needs a new home... but while he's in there he will eat any snail that gets in his way... and possibly the fish too.
that being said, once he has a new home, you may be able to put a few livebearers in there (swordtails would be my recommendation) depending on the kind/size of the snails, they'll eat some of them.
i wouldn't recommend any loaches because of the small tank size.. but they are great snail eaters should you ever choose to upgrade.
dwarf puffers are a possibility, but from what i understand they do better in brackish water, and i dont know how compatable they would be with your current fish as far as temperament goes.
Dwarf puffers are fresh not brackish. Khulie loaches might do okay but just so you know, snails aren't a problem. I have them in all my tanks and my fish live long healthy lives. By keeping the food supply limited in your tanks (ie feed only what the fish will eat and use a gravel vacuum weekly) then the snails will always be in low levels in the tank. In fact they are a far better algae eating choice for your tank than a pleco.
Star_Rider
09-05-2007, 3:06 PM
the snails are not a big problem the issue with them will correct itself when their food supply runs out.
do not add anymore fish. you have a common pleco. when you take care of that issue you can deal with new stocking levels.
I like the mts I have in my tanks..they help keep the substrate turned.
nynikki
09-05-2007, 5:58 PM
keep your tank clean and you wont need a snail eater.
My tank has been really clean, still cycling in fact and doing 50% WC every day and I have been seeing an increased population of pond snails. I don't think they are all bad, and a few can stay, but I don't want there to end up being too many.
put a few livebearers in there (swordtails would be my recommendation) depending on the kind/size of the snails, they'll eat some of them.
I have had three Swordtails since I put the tank up, and still have some snails multiplying. I wouldn't count on this being a solution if the problem arises.
I read that a good way to manually catch them is to take a shot glass and cram some bread in it. Sink it to the bottom and turn out the lights. By morning you should have a bunch. - I haven't tried this myself, but someone on this forum mentioned that it was the best way that he/she found to get rid of them.
I am very interested in this topic myself and I really don't mind a few snails and now have 2 mystery snails in my tank. They are my favorite to watch. I just don't want to end up with hundreds of tiny pond snails. Maybe there is a good solution out there.
jpappy789
09-05-2007, 6:06 PM
I have never had snails (so therefore no snail problem) but I have heard that sticking some lettuce in and then removing it in the morning will help...
Maverick2007
09-05-2007, 6:19 PM
I agree with jpappy789,
I had a snail problem in a tank many years ago and I was able to catch most of them by placing a lettuce leaf after lights out and by morning voila like fly paper for snails....lol
Cheers
Swayde
09-07-2007, 12:42 PM
My friend loaned me a small clown loach for a few days when I had a major snail population explosion (My hubby was caring for my fish for a week, came back to a tank overrun with pond snails and they were destroying my plants)...problem solved =) By the way I had tried the lettuce trick, no luck, and also tried cucumber and zucchini, again no luck. My son and I got tired of plucking them out with our hands, hence the borrowed clown loach.
Hooked Newbie
09-07-2007, 2:57 PM
Dwarf puffers are fresh not brackish. Khulie loaches might do okay but just so you know, snails aren't a problem. I have them in all my tanks and my fish live long healthy lives. By keeping the food supply limited in your tanks (ie feed only what the fish will eat and use a gravel vacuum weekly) then the snails will always be in low levels in the tank. In fact they are a far better algae eating choice for your tank than a pleco.
:iagree: Wholeheartedly. I have snails in all my tanks (2-3) and I think they add to the overall health of the tanks. The only place they are "out of control" is my invert tank where they're supposed to be breeding. Feed conservatively and you'll be fine without needing to add to the stocking. I also echo the comments of others in regards to the pleco. It will get way too big and even before that happens add too much to the bioload.
nynikki
09-08-2007, 12:54 AM
:iagree: Wholeheartedly. I have snails in all my tanks (2-3) and I think they add to the overall health of the tanks. The only place they are "out of control" is my invert tank where they're supposed to be breeding. Feed conservatively and you'll be fine without needing to add to the stocking. I also echo the comments of others in regards to the pleco. It will get way too big and even before that happens add too much to the bioload.
But are they bad for the plants?
EricaBernice
09-08-2007, 5:25 AM
I know that melafix kills snails. Some people use it as euthanasia when a snail is sick and dying. In very small amounts melafix simply makes the snail pass out for a while, but if you put the amount that is stated in the directions it does kill snails.
Hooked Newbie
09-08-2007, 9:11 AM
But are they bad for the plants?
Depends on that type of snail I'm sure. I have Mystery Snails purposely and some pond snails accidentally and neither harm my plants. The pond snails stay in the gravel and I only really see them when I come accross them as I gravel vac, The MTS just cruise around looking for and eating algae.
nynikki
09-08-2007, 10:52 AM
I know that melafix kills snails. Some people use it as euthanasia when a snail is sick and dying. In very small amounts melafix simply makes the snail pass out for a while, but if you put the amount that is stated in the directions it does kill snails.
Wow! That is good to know. I will be sure that if my fish get sick to look for other cures, I really love my Mystery snails and wouldn't want them to be accidentally killed.
nynikki
09-08-2007, 11:04 AM
Depends on that type of snail I'm sure. I have Mystery Snails purposely and some pond snails accidentally and neither harm my plants. The pond snails stay in the gravel and I only really see them when I come accross them as I gravel vac, The MTS just cruise around looking for and eating algae.
Thanks Hooked Newbie! It didn't seem like they were doing any damage, but I didn't want to wait and find out the hard way. I really planted the heck out of this tank and now that they are growing so well I may have overdone it :lipssealedsmilie: The fish seem to like it though! Lots of places to hide and swim through.