A softer spot for snails

[Daisy]

A week's a long time, and my views on snails have taken a drastic turn. I was trashing them just recently, but after setting up a new tank and nearly losing my plants to algae, I've gained a new appreciation. I'd set up a 10G with some spare plants, and its initial spot near the window proved disastrous. The plants loved it at first, but soon they were overwhelmed by algae. I relocated the tank to a low-light area, and this morning, I spotted a medium-sized bladder snail making itself at home. It had already cleaned up a few crypt leaves and was leaving its mark on the amazon sword algae. My previous tanks, which caught some sunlight from a skylight, never had an algae problem, and I'm starting to think the snails were the reason. Livebearers just can't compete with snails when it comes to cleaning. I'm reconsidering my approach – maybe it's better to control snail populations manually instead of trying to wipe them out. The 45% vinegar I used did get rid of them initially, but it was only a matter of time before they returned with new plants.

[adapros]

I'm starting to think that snail count can be a decent indicator of how much I'm overfeeding - when they're thriving, it's likely I'm giving my fish too many treats.

[Daisy]

I'm starting to think that snail count can be a decent indicator of how much I'm overfeeding - when they're thriving, it's likely I'm giving my fish too many treats.

I shut down a 60G tank with no fish for over two years, but didn't drain it - just topped it off every few months. Left a couple tiny plants that melted, which was apparently enough to sustain the snails for over two years - they didn't disappear. Population dipped very little, actually. They're incredibly resilient.

[Lachlan]

Bladder snails seem like a great indicator of tank health to me. I actually wish I could keep them around, but my cichlids just devour them in seconds - no chance of them sticking around.

[Daisy]

Bladder snails seem like a great indicator of tank health to me. I actually wish I could keep them around, but my cichlids just devour them in seconds - no chance of them sticking around.

I'm starting to think I need to let nature take its course. Trying to wipe out the snails entirely wasn't the best call, to be honest. They'll always find a way back - a couple of hitchhikers on some new plants and I'm back to square one. Right now, I've got just one or two in each tank and it's amazing to see the impact they're having. I'm thinking of taking a more balanced approach, keeping their numbers in check rather than trying to eradicate them altogether.

[WildFins]

I'm starting to think that snail count can be a decent indicator of how much I'm overfeeding - when they're thriving, it's likely I'm giving my fish too many treats.

Snails are like the canary in the coal mine. If they're thriving in your tank, it's a sign something's amiss - overfeeding, algae blooms, or rotting plants.

[MikeyKid]

I've got freshwater limpets in both my nanos, been trying to get rid of them for ages but I've thrown in the towel. I'm alright with them now, they do eat a bit of algae. Since adding nerites to each tank, the algae's decreased and the limpet population's taken a hit.

[brayk]

I prefer sticking with nerites and shrimp, it's just easier that way. No need to stress about snail populations getting out of control.

[Daisy]

I prefer sticking with nerites and shrimp, it's just easier that way. No need to stress about snail populations getting out of control.

Nerites seem like they'd be a bit too big for the job on small plant leaves. Some of my fish might appreciate your shrimp suggestion though.

[Lachlan]

I'm curious about Nerites on small plant leaves - they seem a bit big for the job. My fish might love your shrimp idea, though. I've had experience with a feisty candy cane shrimp before - it was like a little tank guardian, chasing off fish that got too close.