how do i remove snails from a fish tank ?

Question

i am currently breeding mollies and i think that there were some snail predadors living in the tank before, and the snails weren't a problem but now there are hundreds of baby snails multiplying by the day and i don't know what to do with them because i heard that they can go into a hibernation so they could live without water for 5 years or so, and i don't know what to do...

i have already tried to clean out the tank by clearing it out and taking it apart...

Answer 1

A chemical called "Had-A-Snail" works really well, and it only takes a few drops. Trying to kill them individually will never work, and you can't take apart your entire tank now because you will kill all of the beneficial bacteria and will have to cycle your tank all over again, which will most likely kill your mollies if you keep them in the uncycled tank. If you have any fry, do not add the chemical yet because they are so delicate, but if you don't then try to keep your males and females separate with a tank divider while you treat for snails and then breed afterwards.

Answer 2

Yeahh those are pesky snails!
Once you get em, you probably can never get rid of them. You just have to control their numbers. They aren't particularly detrimental to your tank, but they don't help, either.

My method is to squish any of the snails I see on the glass with my finger (fish love to eat the squishes snails).

You can also trap them, by using an old camera film case or a small tupper... you just poke some holes in it, put some rocks and lettuce in it, and the snails will be drawn inside.

If you MUST get rid of them all, put 80% of your water into a bucket and put the fish in the bucket, then wash all of the ornaments in hot water. In the remaining tank water, dump some aquarium salt (1tbsp per remaining gallon) to kill any remaining snails or eggs, and clean the tank. Then remove as much of the salted water as possible and vacuum the gravel, put your water and fish back in, and top off the tank with however much more you need to fill the tank.

Good luck!

Oh! IF they are trumpet / unicorn-horn-shaped, they are Malaysian Trumpet Snails, and they are very good for your tank. But snails that look like little brown ovals, or those orangey snails that look like coiled up playdough-snails, kill those.

Try to avoid using snail-killing chemicals. I would not use chemicals that could kill snails in the water with my fish.

Lastly, depending on the size of your tank, you could get a group of yoyo loaches (if you have 15-50 gallons) or clown loaches (if you have 50+ gallons). Make sure to get at least 5. They will eat the snails.

Answer 3

you should switch the tank that the mollies are currently in. then, you should clean the old tank thoroughly with hot water (don't use soap unless you are completely sure that you can get all the residue off...because soap strips the fish of their slimy coating and kills them). make sure that if you have rocks or another substance on the bottom of the tank, you take the necessary procedures to clean them as well, and if you have any decorations then clean them. if the snails keep coming back, maybe you should switch the tank and buy new decorations. good luck!

Answer 4

Loaches!!
When all else fails unleash a couple of clown Loaches, snails are a delicacy for them! They will graze on them all day, but just watch the belly for risk of over feeding!!
Cheers
Kaz

Answer 5

Loaches will eat snails

Answer 6

i was in pet-smart the other day and they have a big bobble eyed fish that they use strictly for snails!!!sorry i can't remember the name of the fish..but it has huge bug eyes,gold and would kill 2 birds with one stone..look pretty and eat snails!!gl..hope this helps!Looks like a retarded goldfish..lol..but pretty!!

Answer 7

Get a few clown loaches. They'll have the best feast of their life

Answer 8

One by one.

Answer 9

use a net, or get a glove on and grab them critters