How do you get rid of snails from aquarium tanks ?

Answer 1

Hi there, i have this problem that i din notice when the first time i breed my mollies few years ago. I bought those water leaf and the snails come alone with that, so i just leave it there, after few weeks, it become hundred of them in my tank and there are sticky and dirty stuff in side. There first things i thought of getting rid of extra snials was salt and puffer.

For your knowledge, puffer and mollies can be breed together in the same tank and both capable for salt water as well. Puffer love snails a lot as their meal and salt would reduce snails to born new snail baby. So you woould probably try apply some salt in the water and breed some fish that are capable to stay with your fish and eat snails as well.

Answer 2

Try getting a snail eating fish like a type of loach (weather (dojo) loaches are good if your aquarium is large enough and has compatible fish). I'd avoid getting puffers though as most don't get along with other fish and require very specific water conditions. Also, you can take a flashlight to your aquarium at night after the lights have been off for a while, and the snails should be out on the side of your aquarium where you can scoop them out with a net. Likely you also have snail eggs in the aquarium, so unless you tear it down and boil/bleach everything (including your filter) and throw out your plants, you'll only be able to get the snail population under control, and won't be able to get rid of them entirely. But, they can be a nice addition to the aquarium in small quantities.

Answer 3

I had this problem with my tank. When i did my water changes I would try to suck as many of then up as possible this worked out great for me they where all gone in about two months. Or you can go to the pet store and ask them what fish eat snails.

Answer 4

Don't be so quick to remove the snails, as they provide a great tank-cleansing benefit. Snails travel along the sides and eat the algae build up that form on the inside. If you have determined that you have too many, pluck out a few, set them aside in a small dish of water, and thoroughly clean your tank. After you remove the fish, pull out the 'bubbler', hoses and filter, figurines, stones, etc., and scrub clean. Drain the water, through a sieve or collander to collect the gravel. Rinse the gravel, swishing it aroung with your hands to remove any stuck-on material, until the water runs clean. Pour the gravel onto a baking sheet, or shallow tub or bowl, and inspect it for dead snails, bits of fungus, old globs of fish food, etc. Replace all of your materials, fill the tank, add your purifier and let sit for the recommended time (read the label on the bottle - it can vary). Add a couple of cups of the 'clean' water to your temporary fish container and let sit for an hour, to acclimate the fish to their cleaner environment and prevent shock. Pour your fish, water and all, back into the tank, drop in the snails if you've decided to keep them, and you're done.

Answer 5

The twice I had snails in my tank was when I put in live plants ,maybe you should avoid them after you've got rid of snails..

Answer 6

If your tank is big enough and has the right type of fish to support one get an oscar or a puffer, they love snails.

Answer 7

Pick them out of your tank and put in a container with some tank water in it. Take them to your fish store and just give them to them. Or... ask some of the customers if they want them for free. Make a friend.

Answer 8

Hi you can get interpet treatment for snails you usually get them on new plants or fish.I use to turn my light off then put room light on squash them & the fish got a treat however they breed like mad so get the treatment as quick has you can.

Answer 9

i asked the same question a few months ago.....i got 2 clown loach haven't seen a snail since they do the job and are friendly towards the other fish

Answer 10

Had this problem and had to solve it by a chemical cure from the pet shop .
The snails grew faster than the fish could chomp them.