Kuhli or Yo-Yo opinions on snail control

[iamgroovy]

If you were to purchase a loach to assist with snail control (rest assured, I wouldn't buy a fish for that reason alone) which would you choose and why?

Kuhli
Yo-Yo
or other snail eating fish that will fit into a 20gal (please specify)


Let's get this out now, I realize there is a lot more to snail control than buying a fish to eat them. I know they wont get rid of all of them (nothing I'm willing to put in my tank will) and I am taking other steps to rid my tank of the pond snail invasion. Reduced feeding, reduced light (although this worries me because I have otos) and I've removed the damaged plants. I also really like loaches and have been considering them even before I got the extra "presents" with the plants I bought...

So, opinions please?

Thanks guys and gals! This forum is great!

[themadblimper]

Ive been using kuhlis in groups for awhile now. They eat the snails like spaghetti. Its comical to watch too.

[themadblimper]

They're also nice because they are very peaceful. A group of four-five should fit your situation perfectly.

[Patricia]

I have a trio of Yoyo's in a planted and once-well-populated-by-pond-snails Quarrantine tank. The Yoyos will be going into my Angelfish tank. I've had to add pond snails daily from my other tanks ... they don't last long! I'm just afraid that I'll run out of pond snails before the quarrantine period is over. <g>

Patricia

[Ghost_knife]

Clown loach, they like snails, I made the mistake of buying a mystery....beyond an hour...I never saw it again..

[themadblimper]

Clown loaches will grow to be 1' long, not exactly good for a 20 gallon tank. :eek:

[azlidz]

Queen Botia. they are fantastic at snail eating, very cool pretty fish

[PumaWard]

Personally, Yo-Yos... my kuhli loaches have never touched a snail. Or, employ another method.. possibly to many left overs are giving the snails the energy they need for mass reproduction?

[Betta-Luvn]

yeah yo-yos would be better for snail control. Mine never touchs a snail.

[iamgroovy]

Personally, Yo-Yos... my kuhli loaches have never touched a snail. Or, employ another method.. possibly to many left overs are giving the snails the energy they need for mass reproduction?


Yes, I believe overfeeding was what caused the population explosion. I've reduced the feeding over the past few weeks and have seen the snail pop reduce as well. So the loaches would be just part of the overall plan.