tank infested with tiny snails

[laudy000]

Hello--A couple of questions, if you dont mind. I have a 150 Gal tank that has been infested with tiny snails for a couple years now. They dont get larger than about 1/4", with the majority only about 1/8" long. They are roughly triangular in shape, somewhat resembling MTS, but much smaller. First, what are they, and second, what would be a good way to get rid of them? Would Yoyo loaches eat them? Assassin snails? Something else? I can crush them against the glass, but their shells are so hard, after awhile my fingers start to hurt. I dont really want to dose the tank with anything if I dont have to. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. David

 

[acevudoo]

try cucumber wedges on a string.. no kidding

 

[thebrandon]

a loach or two might clear this up for you in no time

 

[Mexican Racoon]

I read about this once, never tried it though.

You make a trap like so:

Take a plastic bottle and cut the top off like you were making a funnel. Put a rock and some cucumber in it. Place the cut off funnel back on, UPSIDE DOWN, and secure it, maybe with a couple of staples. The snails can crawl in with ease, but escape is more difficult. Sink it and see who is stuck in the morning.

 

[plaalye]

a loach or two might clear this up for you in no time

And then what? Botine loaches will eat snails but to varying degrees and it's never a good idea to get them for this purpose alone. If you want loaches, and are willing to give them the conditions that they need, do some research at loachesonline and see what fits your tank. They are wonderful fish!

I have a similar problem in my hillstream tank and plan to get some assasin snails. I think this is the best solution. Good luck!

 

[jm1212]

dont add a fish just to get rid of snails, just like you wouldnt get one just to get rid of algae.

manually remove any you can see.

 

[jpappy789]

Bait them with some sort of veggie, then remove it and toss 'em.

 

[laudy000]

Thanks for the responses so far. I have tried the funnell/bottle trap with no success. I will try the cukes. Any idea what kind of snails these are?

 

[Bnoble]

a loach or two might clear this up for you in no time

i agree, a clown loach will take care of that problem very fast! i had over a thousand and in a week or two, no snails, but a few in my canister!

 

[jpappy789]

Could be baby MTS.