Snails in the shrimp tank...AHHH

[BandiCat]

A while ago I threw out a post about finding a handful of pond snails in my shrimp tank. They weren't really a nuisance back then, so I decided to let them go...and I wish I hadn't...There are hundreds of them now! they are literally everywhere and they are definitely multiplying faster than the shrimp, which is a problem. I have already cut down on the food I put in the tank (I only feed my 200 or so shrimp a few piches of flake food once a day) but it doesn't seem to have put a dent in their population. I've also tried removing them, which hasn't worked at all. I can take them out by the dozen and hardly hurt the population.

What are some ways to get rid of them that are safe for my shrimp? Has anyone put an assassin snail in with RCS?

[Stargazer53]

Assassins should not affect your RCS shrimp. However, I would simply lay a piece of zucchini or cucumber at the bottom of the tank -- let the snails pile on -- and discard the snails accordingly. Or, you can make a trap by cutting out a water bottle with the top part cut out and put the zucchini in there and trap them that way. You could probably make 4-5 catches with this method alone. Good luck! :)

[BandiCat]

Thanks, thats a good idea.

[odinthejd]

I would just take them out and give them to a lfs or sell them on here cause some people would probley want like me! Maybe just charge for shipping and bags if you want gone that bad!

[BandiCat]

you want some? I could hook you up with a lot ;)

[BandiCat]

I do want them gone. I can only imagine what hundreds of them add to the bioload in the tank. Do they ship well in the winter time? I would be perfectly willing to send a bunch of snails to anyone who wants to cover shipping and heat pack costs.

[Steverd]

I know it's a pain, but can you start picking out of the tank on at a time for the larger ones? I also use a small 1/4" rigid tubing to suck out the smaller ones out of the tank.

Good luck,
Steve

[Hollygirl]

I make these traps for myself and they work quite well. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189223&highlight=snail+trap

[pinkertd]

And definitely smash some of them up for food for the shrimp! My shrimp love smooshed snails!

[katana1200]

You could always set up a nice 20 gal planted tank and buy yourself a green spotted puffer. They love snails....and they're cute too. Now, I only need a snail invasion to justify setting up my own puffer tank lol.

[halfmoonplakat]

I do want them gone. I can only imagine what hundreds of them add to the bioload in the tank. Do they ship well in the winter time? I would be perfectly willing to send a bunch of snails to anyone who wants to cover shipping and heat pack costs.
They will survive as long as the water they are in does not freeze

[halfmoonplakat]

Good luck :)
And I agree with what everybody has said about the zucchini slice traps