Snails in tank.... didnt buy em (how did they get there?)

[Bobdolemite]

Hey, just started looking around the tank today (more indepthly than usual) and noticed a few snails hanging around the plants and decorations in the tank. This is all fine and dandy (I think) but I didnt buy them. Did these guys come in with one of my fish somehow, or are they a result of something else?

They are black in color and almost resemble the rocks, which is why I managed to miss them. Anyways, just thought it kind of weird.

 

[Scottish_Sara]

Do you have live plant's in your tank?

If you do, the chance's are they got into your tank via them.

 

[Bobdolemite]

yeah its all planted up. Now that you mention it, I remember seeing those in the tank along with the plants.. o-well, are they anything I have to worry about or are they just a nice free addition to the tank?

 

[reiverix]

As long as they don't get out of hand, snails are your small, silent friend.

 

[Kasakato]

But if you overfeed, they will grow..fast. You have been warned

 

[musky48in]

Do you have a canister filter? If you do, you will have to pay attention to the impeller in it. They sometimes get in there and may do a little damage to it. If they get out of control, you may want to add some fish that can keep them in check. Not sure how large your tank is, but I think that I've heard Clown Loaches do a good job of eating them. Others here probably have a lot more experience in that area though.

 

[Unome]

Not sure how large your tank is, but I think that I've heard Clown Loaches do a good job of eating them. Others here probably have a lot more experience in that area though.

Yep, clown loaches will eat snails.

 

[Bobdolemite]

20 gal tank, pretty stocked hehe, ill go check the fish store when I get meh dough

 

[Nuriel]

they should be fine left alone. if you choose getting a loach i suggest a smaller type- yoyo or skunk- clowns can grow 10+inches, so that wouldnt work out!!!
goodluck!

 

[oscar83]

if you really want to get rid of them you can throw a piece of lettuce in the tank at nite either held down by a rock or a lettuce clip. and in the monrning the lettuce will be covered with snails and you simply take out teh piece of lettuce and voi la! snails are gone. i had to do that a while back to get rid of snails in my 75 gal. it took about 3 nites to get all the snails i could see. HTH