Snail Over Population

M

MarkInNC

AC Members
Jun 16, 2009
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Hampstead NC
I asked about this previously. I must have imported snails with some plants I addded about two months ago. I now have way too many snails in my tank.

I read from a previous responder that dropping some bait lettuce worked. I have attempted this and did not have good results. I also read that Tiger Barbs will eat the snails.

I have a few dwarf Gouramis, some fancy guppies, some neons, and corys. Can I add a Tiger Barb with my current population?

thanks,

Mark
 
I wouldnot add a tiger barb especially as they are a schooling fish and can be quite agressive when not kept in appropriate numbers. I would recommend figuring out why your snails are reproducing so readily. You could decrease your feeding and increase your gravel vacs while manually removing/squishing any snails that you see. The bait trap will work, here is how ot make one using an old water bottle:

  1. Remove the lid of the plastic bottle and cut the bottle in half with a sharp knife (make sure you get some adult help for this bit).
  2. Make a funnel from the two pieces by placing the top half of the bottle into the bottom half of the bottle neck-side-down.
place bait inside and put in at lights out, check a few hours later.
 
Thank you for the suggestions. I was afraid of the Tiger Barb and will pass on that. The bait tank sounds good, what kind of bait do you recommend?

Don't know about the adult supervison though, (my grandkids would chuckle at that).

Mark
 
You can try adding a clown loach, but I think you may be over feeding.
Cut down on feedings and increase cleaning may help.
 
Add a pair of Assassin Snails (Cleo/Anentome Helena) They stay small,reproduce very slowly,and are very interesting snails to keep. And best of all they will wipe out any "Pest" snails.
 
I honestly think its a BAD idea to add a critter to get rid of a critter. Especially a clown loach (unless this is a 75g+ tank) as they are schooling fish. anetome helena (assassins) would be ok, but then he has to worry about what to feed them when the infestation is gone. If you improve your maintenance and don't overfeed, the issue should greatly reduce.
 
Botia zebra is my suggestion, and if you can a couple of assasin snails, both together can keep the snails population under control.
 
msjinkzd said:
I honestly think its a BAD idea to add a critter to get rid of a critter. Especially a clown loach (unless this is a 75g+ tank) as they are schooling fish. anetome helena (assassins) would be ok, but then he has to worry about what to feed them when the infestation is gone. If you improve your maintenance and don't overfeed, the issue should greatly reduce.
Click to expand...
x2
 
we haven't even asked what size tank, how can fish suggestions possibly be given without that information???? What if its fully stocked already. Again, botia loaches are social critters so he would need several.
 
haha, sorry about that Mark! Your grandchildren certainly would get a nice chuckle about that :D I like using blanched zucchini, cucumber, etc for bait. Even bottom feeder pellets or algae wafers would be effective.
 
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