pond snail question

[Susan0218]

I started out with 3 pond snails that came on the plants I purchased. I know they are considered pests by some but they don't bother me. I knew they would mutiply but I have to admit I am surprised how quickly it happened. I now have too many to count plus tons of eggs. I noticed a few of the snails have died, leaving empty WHITE shells on the bottom of the tank. Is this to be expected with so many or should I be concerned?

[Yadokari]

It's normal and there is nothing to worry about. The snail in there simply died, maybe because the explosion caused a lacking in food or... it just simply, died. I wouldn't worry about it.

Pond snails breed incredibly well anyway, I'm sure you know that already :-P
Lose one pond snail, gain 10 more. It doesn't end :D

[msjinkzd]

if you want to help limit their numbers, decrease your feeding and increase your gravel vacs. They can also be squished and fed to fish as a treat. You can also use a piece of vegetable as bait to pick them out in greater numbers. I like them, i think they are a good addition to a tank to help as clean up, but when they get to numerous often its necessary to thin their numbers.

[Susan0218]

That's part of my problem. I can't bring myself to kill any of them or pull out any egg clusters. :shakehead: :wall:

[Yadokari]

Just limit the feeding then :-) they'll slow down reproduction and you won't have to kill anything. Win-win!

[msjinkzd]

hmmm...how about setting up another tank for puffers or one with loaches? then you could provide them with a great diet of little snails.

[jpappy789]

Yes pond snails do multiply quickly. Luckily my fish had a taste for snail. ;)

Cutting down the food is a good way of controlling the pop. without having to kill any.

[Susan0218]

Thanks everyone.

msjinkzd- I would love to have puffers but that's not an option right now.

[chazsgirl]

i am the one one person in this world that can't get baby pond snails! I feed, sometimes overfeed. What am I doing wrong?

[SpockthePuffer]

I have a ridiculous amount of pond snails that I feed to my puffers. They're like little pieces of candy to my puffers, lol

Chaz, what size tank are you trying to breed them in? Do you have any fish that would be eating them?

[Hooked Newbie]

if you want to help limit their numbers, decrease your feeding and increase your gravel vacs. They can also be squished and fed to fish as a treat. You can also use a piece of vegetable as bait to pick them out in greater numbers. I like them, i think they are a good addition to a tank to help as clean up, but when they get to numerous often its necessary to thin their numbers.

What she said.... I encourage them intentionally though. They clean my breeding tanks and provide treats for my loaches.

[chazsgirl]

I have a ridiculous amount of pond snails that I feed to my puffers. They're like little pieces of candy to my puffers, lol

Chaz, what size tank are you trying to breed them in? Do you have any fish that would be eating them?

10g with 6 mystery snails, 2 ghost shrimp & 2 plecos(those are there just for now~)

[msjinkzd]

Its likely they are just being outcompeted for food.

[chazsgirl]

Its likely they are just being outcompeted for food.

I am trying to feed everyone but a 10g tank gets a crap load of poop (pardon the pun)just from 1 feeding!
I have been OVERFEEDING like crazy and haven't seen 1 egg nest, I wonder if they are laying them in the plants instead of the glass, do they do that?

[zzyzx85]

Yup, they do lay eggs on plants as well.

[chazsgirl]

That must be where all their eggs are cause I have not seen one nest on any of my walls!