Snails

[jesterwn]

I was cleaning my tank and came upon a snail, then as I continued I found about 10 more. Will they harm my fish or mess up my water???
Someone please help. :thud:

[grch36]

Don't think they will harm your fish but they will multiply. I had one hitch a ride on a plant about a month ago and I'm still battling them. Clown Loaches will take care of them.

[jesterwn]

Thank for your help.

I Have guppy fry in the tank also, will the clowns harm the fry?

[daveedka]

Unless you planned to have clown loaches, It is never wise to buy a fish just to kill snails. Most common hitchikers will harm nothing in your tank, populations are fairly easy to controll and the benefits of snails are emmense. If you simply hate snails, then there are ways to trap them and remove them, but if you don't mind looking at them they are a great ddition to most tanks.
For more info:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50705

Dave

[Fish Kate]

It is never wise to buy a fish just to kill snails. Dave

That is so true. I got talked into buying a dwarf puffer to eat snail eggs and now I have to find him his own tank because he's so aggressive. :duh:

If you can get rid of the eggs before they hatch, that's the easiest way to control snails.

[YuccaPatrol]

Pick them out when you find them and/or crush the babies against the glass when you find them.

I've been able to completely remove Malaysian Trumpet Snails by simply removing all adults and then plucking out every single baby on the glass as soon as I see it.

[jesterwn]

Thanks for all your feed back. I think i'll stick with Dave if they harm thing I think it's okay. :dive2:

[mooman]

Agree 100% with dave. A healthy population of snails is normal, and really helps control algea. I think the problem is, that a normal population of snails is a little higher than most people are comfortable with, and they can get out of control if water changes are neglected, if you overfeed, or if your tank grows alot of algea (too much light + combo of previously mentioned factors). I love my snails.

[Hannys_Papa]

... I love my snails.

Me too - i actually buy them !!! :)
My tank is a lot more stable and healthier since i added them.

[jesterwn]

Great guys after my post i've moved one of the snails to a small one gallon tank. In my main tank i've been noticing alot of new snails.

[rosita]

In my 10g I have one mystery snail, and "he's" wonderful!!! Stays busy cleaning, tears around the tank like a speed demon, and hasn't multiplied.
As a kid I sneaked a creek snail (?species) small black, it made babies like a candy factory!!!! I got a huge whuppin' from the Colonel, and then had to clean the mulitudes out of the entire tank, including gravel. A Sisiphean task at the time. Just keep an eye in case they get out of hand!!! :)