Fostering Fish Mother turned into fish fanatic!

[Turpentine]

I have been removing these nasty varmints like you wouldn't believe!!!

So what is this de-snailing solution I should do with my newly bought plants???

UGH!!!


I am proud to say, I have successfully created a happy home for my guppies and tetras...and my new Betta boy. Yes I did get a new young fella. He seems to fit in very well. No bullying at all. He leaves everyone alone and even the boy guppy comes and hangs out by him at times. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1337949627.179151.jpg

I have been keeping a close eye on things and have a stand by aquarium just incase as I will not put up with anyone being harmful to another.

Peace!

[mincedmeat]

There should be some sort of de-snailing solution that your local fish shop would stock. Try using them to treat new plants, otherwise just leave the plants untouched in a pail of water. Check back again in half an hour to see if you find any snail. If not, you probably don't have any such hitch-hikers and it should not cause you any worry, but it ain't fool proof.

[Turpentine]

Anything I can do for my tank now beside physical removal? I just found dozens of tiny snails this morning!!! Infestation! Crud!!!!

[mincedmeat]

I would suggest you to get one or two mini puffer to deal with the infestation. You would have to bear in mind that the mini puffers are predatory in nature.

[Turpentine]

And are they harmful to tetra or guppies?

[VSGenesis]

Hmm doesnt puffer attack other fish?

How about an assasin snail to get rid of those snails you have?

[Turpentine]

What are assassin snail? Can you show me a picture?

[wongce]

assassin.pngassassin snail is a popular snail used to control pest snail population.... attached is the best picture i have..sorry for blurry picture as the little guy is hiding somewhere...i can't get a decent picture...

[Turpentine]

It looks like it has bumps on its shell?

[wongce]

haha, Assassin Snail has yellow and brown strips on its shell... the round " bump" is aquasoil..happens to roll there...:P

[Turpentine]

So they all look like this? And they are beneficial to have in the tank? I'm very interested in this! I have many snails still from plants that I purchased. Not knowing that I needed to "desnail" them. little buggers. They are everywhere!!! All kinds!

[VSGenesis]

It happens. When you thought you done your quarantine, the next thing you know they multiply in your tank. Best to remove them once seen. They lay eggs in a spot surrounded by a mucus membrane.

As for assassin snails, they love to "make friends" with other snails. Scientific name Anentome helena also known as Clea helena. http://www.invertplanet.com/helena.html
For myself, I'm not sure. The two assassin snails given by a friend seems like have gone into retirement. No more killing snails or doing anything covert ops anymore. One month and the same snail is happily munching on young leaves beside the assassin. LOL. Sometimes, I catch other snails hitching a ride on it and I go "what the ****, you're not supposed to be buddies!" Oh and if you get a hold of this assasin snails, don't go purchasing like 30. -_-'' 2-3 of this snails will do and they are hard to breed so you won't get the same infestation you are having with those other snails.

Freshwater puffer fish does the same thing too. Live snails and blood worms seems to be their favourite but they will go after other fish so I guess one should avoid puffer. Not that it cant coexist; seen them coexisting but they will attack those shrimps.

[Turpentine]

My store told me to avoid puffers with my tanks current inhabitants...think I'll avoid them. Too many fish already!!! And given that the guppies are getting ready to bear any day now....the possibility of more fish in the tank is a bit alarming!