uninvited snails

[Mark Miller]

I noticed today as I was vacuming the gravel that there are two very small cone type snails (too big to be sucked past the screen on my syphon). Common sense tells me they stowed away on the plants I added as I was cycyling the tank.
Are they going to be a problem? Should I remove them, or just let 'em be?
Also, I have noticed white bubbles on the surface on the side of the tank where the air hose is. What's up with that?
thanks

11 gal.
1 neon blue dwarf gourami
three red eye tetras
six neon tetras
RIP one red eyed tetra

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Some people like snails, but unless you want to be overrun with snails I'd remove any that you can find.

 

[silentskream]

your gourami may eat them. but they multiply like... snails.. so if you're not careful you'll have a bajillion of them.

 

[Lupin]

Limit feeding to control the population of the snails. I agree that you must remove every snail you see so the population will be put under control. Your snails sound like Malayan Trumpet Snails to me which actually help stir up the substrate as they bury themselves underneath it.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

Ok, I'll be the one to dissent here.... lol Unless the population is exploding, I think one or two per tank is a GOOD thing. They turn gravel, reducing anaerobic potential and provide loach treats. I actually like when a few hitchhike in. I've not had any population explosions, but that could be because I feed conservatively.

 

[Corbin]

snails never hurt anyone. keep them. or the snail gods will get you!

 

[Jazba]

they are good to have but they take up space in the tank.. can be a problem sometimes.

 

[Tycoon]

I just found some too in my tank that's currently cycling. These snails don't eat plants do they?

 

[nickmcmechan]

some snails eat plants, some dont

 

[Hooked Newbie]

"Got Loaches"?