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Wondering how all those little
snails got into your aquarium? Snails in an aquarium can become a major problem
if they are not controlled. There a 3 methods to controlling snails, and getting
rid of them.
First method involves snail eating
fish. The amount that your snail population declines depends on the type of
fish you decide to use and how much regular food you feed those fish. Also the
type of snails you have may influence your fish's taste for snail eating. Clown
loaches are one of the most popular snail eating fish, and usually do a good job
at it. Other fish includes most types of Cichlids and Betta's.
Second method is to do it yourself.
This means reaching into the tank and picking them out as you see them. You
could also crush them against the glass. Most fish readily eat them once you
have crushed the shells.
Third method includes snail killing chemicals.
These are sold in most pet stores. This method is one of the most severe and I
can not really suggest it. For one thing, anything designed to kill snails
probably isn't all that great for your fish and plants. Adding chemicals to your
tank is always a risky thing unless you know exactly what you are adding and
exactly what the effects will be. Most of these snail killing chemicals use high
levels of copper.
A result of this method is the massive die off of snails and the resulting
decaying of their bodies. High ammonia levels is the most likely result of this
method, so be sure to follow up the treatment with plenty of small partial water
changes. At least 10% every other day for a week if not more and make sure to
check the filter often during this time and a daily check with an ammonia test
kit after such a treatment is also suggested.
Fourth method includes using
bait.
Another way to rid of snails to to use a bait of some type and take them out in
groups. This is the most humane way, but can take some time. You will have to
use something to easily pick up the snails as well, however making something
freshwater fish safe may become difficult with regular household items. There is
a product available specially designed to do this, and you will find their advertisement
below. Please fell free to let us know how it works for you!
Benefits of Snails
One last thing you might want to think about is... Are snails really that bad? I
personally don't think so. Some types might be more destructive than others, but
many add yet another element to a tank that helps give it a more natural feel to
it. Many snails even perform useful functions. Functions such as eating excess
food and decaying plant matter, burrowing through the substrate thus preventing
compacting and dead spots, and even to help dispose of dead fish. You aren't
likely to notice that dead neon in the back of your heavily planted 75 gallon
tank are you? My suggestion is to employ method one above and use fish to help
you keep a useful population of snails in your tank while at the same time
keeping the number of snails from getting out of hand.
For a humane and easy way to rid snails, visit:
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