A softer spot for snails

[brayk]

Nerites seem to do alright on small plant leaves, I've not really noticed any damage. Occasionally I see some red root floaters with bits missing, but I'm not sure what's responsible.

[sSjey]

If you're finding nerites too large, consider the smaller Clithon species of snail - they're a good alternative for smaller plant leaves.

[graye]

I've come to accept that my aquariums will never be completely snail-free. I keep my ramshorns under control, but any bladder or pond snails I spot on the glass get relocated to the turtle tank - it's their favorite snack. I've been keeping fish for 57 years now, and I've learned that snails are just a part of the package.

In the past, I had a group of Steatocranus cichlids that were expert snail-hunters. They'd poke a hole in the shell and slurp out the snail, or just crush the smaller ones. But those fish are gone now, and their tanks have slowly been re-infested.

I don't begrudge the snails, though - after all, Spongebob's pet snail Gary is pretty lovable. I just wish I could find a balance between keeping them under control and appreciating their slimy contributions to my aquariums.