cherry shrimp and snails

[etspam]

Hi all-

I have a 10 gallon tank w/various fish, and introduced cherry shrimp (20+). Most died, but the 3 surviving ones managed to berry, and now my tank has many of them (estimate over 100 at least) of all sizes. I introduced some java ferns several months ago, and have noticed the appearance of a couple of tiny snails. I assume they arrived with the ferns.

Instead of being everywhere over the tank glass/bottom, I've found the 3-4 above the water line, where they were easily dispatched. I saw one more on the gravel as well. However, knowing snails well, I expected if I were to have any, they would've multiplied like mad. But I don't see snail eggs/jelly on the glass, nor see a plethora of snails. My question is, is my huge cherry shrimp effectively controlling the uninvited snail population? Do they eat the eggs/jello, or the actual snails themselves? None of the ones I've found are appreciable in size (maybe 1-3 mm).

 

[FreshyFresh]

More than likely, the RCS are eating the majority of the available food. An overabundance of snails is usually because of an overabundance of food. I've seen RCS pick at and consume dead/dying snails, but not actively kill and then eat them.

 

[henningc]

I have ramshorn and pond snails in my 20L shrimp tank and they haven't over populated in over three years. I will tell you this, if you find a snail and crunch it, drop it in the water the shrimp will be all over it in minutes. They love to eat the DOA snails. I typically put 2-3 snails in a mason jar with some anataxathin powder for 2 weeks before feeding them to the shrimp. The shrimp eat the snails and the gut loading of the snails makes the shrimp reder than red.

 

[myswtsins]

Cherry shrimp do not eat snail eggs or living snails as far as I know. As long as you do not overfeed snail populations should stay in check. You could always bait and remove them if you like tho, by dropping a piece of blanched veggie, leaving it over night and early in the morning it should have plenty of snails on it.

 

[etspam]

Thanks for the info. I've only seen maybe one or two tiny snails in the past week, almost always above the waterline. It looks like they're not multiplying much at all. I thought about crushing & feeding them, but they really are tiny (1-2mm), and wouldn't make much of a meal.

 

[ecstatic]

Can I ask what kinda deal you got with your RCS? I'm in the market of looking for some myself but I'm not seeing any of the $1/shrimp prices like i seen years ago.

 

[myswtsins]

I don't see many $1 shrimp deals anymore myself unfortunately. That is what I paid for my shrimp years ago but my newest shrimp will be $2 each. I will be getting them from Invertebrates by MsJinkzd. Very reputable. Going to see her tomorrow actually!