I was wondering if there are any good snail eating fish that would work for a 20 gallon long with 6 serpae tetras and a common pleco. Or am I stuck with manual removal?
snail eating fish choices
- Thread starter easilyconfused
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That common pleco is going to get big, very big. I wouldn't add any more fish. Stick with manual removal, and read up on snail traps to catch them. Its usually a bad idea to add a fish to fix a problem, esp, when that fish might cause other problems.
Lupin
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- Sep 21, 2006
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- Paul
It's not a problem yet, I'm just a firm believer in planning ahead so it doesn't become an issue and the easiest way would be to try and figure out if there is a fish I could add to my tank to keep them in check. I don't think I'll be replacing this pleco if it dies. As the old saying goes "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".
to answer your question I would consider puffers or some type of loach (yoyo's come to mind). The immediate issue with keeping happy loaches is that they like groups and a group of 3 yoyo's (Botia Lohachata or almorhae (spelling?)) will likely be a bit cramped in a 20g. Snails aren't all bad either... I don't much about puffers but they may be worth a look, I have heard they do a number on snails.
I like how you are thinking ahead, even if it ends in manual removal of snails.
I like how you are thinking ahead, even if it ends in manual removal of snails.
keep your tank clean and you wont need a snail eater.
considering the pleco will get to be 18 inches long, he needs a new home... but while he's in there he will eat any snail that gets in his way... and possibly the fish too.
that being said, once he has a new home, you may be able to put a few livebearers in there (swordtails would be my recommendation) depending on the kind/size of the snails, they'll eat some of them.
i wouldn't recommend any loaches because of the small tank size.. but they are great snail eaters should you ever choose to upgrade.
dwarf puffers are a possibility, but from what i understand they do better in brackish water, and i dont know how compatable they would be with your current fish as far as temperament goes.
considering the pleco will get to be 18 inches long, he needs a new home... but while he's in there he will eat any snail that gets in his way... and possibly the fish too.
that being said, once he has a new home, you may be able to put a few livebearers in there (swordtails would be my recommendation) depending on the kind/size of the snails, they'll eat some of them.
i wouldn't recommend any loaches because of the small tank size.. but they are great snail eaters should you ever choose to upgrade.
dwarf puffers are a possibility, but from what i understand they do better in brackish water, and i dont know how compatable they would be with your current fish as far as temperament goes.
Dwarf puffers are fresh not brackish. Khulie loaches might do okay but just so you know, snails aren't a problem. I have them in all my tanks and my fish live long healthy lives. By keeping the food supply limited in your tanks (ie feed only what the fish will eat and use a gravel vacuum weekly) then the snails will always be in low levels in the tank. In fact they are a far better algae eating choice for your tank than a pleco.
the snails are not a big problem the issue with them will correct itself when their food supply runs out.
do not add anymore fish. you have a common pleco. when you take care of that issue you can deal with new stocking levels.
I like the mts I have in my tanks..they help keep the substrate turned.
do not add anymore fish. you have a common pleco. when you take care of that issue you can deal with new stocking levels.
I like the mts I have in my tanks..they help keep the substrate turned.
My tank has been really clean, still cycling in fact and doing 50% WC every day and I have been seeing an increased population of pond snails. I don't think they are all bad, and a few can stay, but I don't want there to end up being too many.
I have had three Swordtails since I put the tank up, and still have some snails multiplying. I wouldn't count on this being a solution if the problem arises.
I read that a good way to manually catch them is to take a shot glass and cram some bread in it. Sink it to the bottom and turn out the lights. By morning you should have a bunch. - I haven't tried this myself, but someone on this forum mentioned that it was the best way that he/she found to get rid of them.
I am very interested in this topic myself and I really don't mind a few snails and now have 2 mystery snails in my tank. They are my favorite to watch. I just don't want to end up with hundreds of tiny pond snails. Maybe there is a good solution out there.
I have never had snails (so therefore no snail problem) but I have heard that sticking some lettuce in and then removing it in the morning will help...