Best way to get rid of snails

[lilacamy931]

I know I know i have asked this before...I really have an epidemic on in two tanks and need help! Tried cutting back feedings as well as picking out but they really are never ending (also the cucumber over night trick).

My options now are as follows;

1. assassin snails - have one currently, in least affected tank only really just introduced unsure if doing any help, go purchase more? Substitute diet when over or can sell, pass to others (or start a snail tank as have the space!)

2. snail killer product - little unsure of using a chemical. Also someone mentioned once used a product like this in a tank you could never keep pet snails or shrimp in there ever again...what do you guys think?

3. fish - heard that there are fish that could then regift or resale but unsure of ethics? Also what are these fish guys?

The tanks that need help is 10g open, this has fry in a net and dont want anything affecting the survivors..My three divided betta tank, each 5g and a start on my 160 litre has started (hoping picking out the buggers will stop this one but perhaps not..) Thanks eveyrone!

[Vandraco aka Bronzecat]

I wouldn't use one of those snail killing products. Probably full of copper? Will affect future nice snails like you said, and i presume, leave lots of rotting snails in your tank.

Yoyo loaches will eat small snails, but can be fairly boisterous

You could take the plants out and give them a good wash to remove any on them. I know Netty uses an airline to syphon baby snails out. I dont know if it would work, but maybe get a narrow necked bottle with some food in and put it in the tank overnight. You may catch some?

[lilacamy931]

Oh that bottle idea may be worth while thanks Van, will give it a go but ensure none of the blooming bettas can get in Hmmm the yoyos would be worried about them beating up the bettas and cories perhaps..

[Vandraco aka Bronzecat]

Yeh Yoyo's are good snail eaters, but are nocturnal and may pester other fish.

[aly_starh]

Oh, you will need way more Assassins to get rid of a snail population. Maybe around 2 more in the 10G tank...!

That will be your most effective way, without much negative side affects.
As van said, STAY AWAY from those copper killing stuff, you wont be able to keep nice shrimp then if you wanted.

I wouldn't bother looking at other fish depending on your current stocklist.

So Assassins would be best

[Netty]

Fired in garlic butter

[lilacamy931]

EW!!! Not cooking snails yuk lol! Thanks tremendously guys!

[lilacamy931]

Mini update - local LFS sells assassins for £1.50 each which is eyepoppingly good, so i am off to get 10 and hope an army of 11 will sort my problems out. Heavy machinery about to come into place those snails pushed me too far!

[Haych]

i have a snail issue but i hate snails so dont want assassins, is this going to be my only option?

[lilacamy931]

Depends hon from the looks of things if you dont want to use chemicals or have the capacity for fish. Otherwise cut right back on feedings and pick them out (though this hasnt worked for me entirely!) So I now have a horde, fly my pretties! Fly!

[liz2]

I had to clean a tank of snails once i totally scrubbed everything cleaned the filter the lot. Put it all back together week or so later they turned up again!! Ended up picking them out!!

[Haych]

ew i cannot handle them. they seriously gross me out.

i only go over to look and check on flea atm, and theyre not fed much either. my cories arent overfed either so i dunno whats going on.

i may have to use the chemical treatment as i cant abide snails or shrimp

[lilacamy931]

I dont think the treatments are cory safe Haych (unsure check with the others) but be careful!!

[Haych]

i thought it was only invertibrates it harmed?

i wont do anything til after christmas anyway and will research fully too

[lilacamy931]

I think some of the removers have copper in which can be bad for cories, ooooorrrr Im having a very odd moment"!

[Haych]

i hadnt heard that, but i havent used snail remover either before, will have a nosey later on, thanks for the warning, its better to be safe than sorry

[lilacamy931]

Could just be having a moment (I have plenty of those!). Do just double check as you dont want any dead fishies x