AboutNathan Expertise I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out.
I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!
Experience I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible.
What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!
Education/Credentials I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.
I have a problem with snails in my 5 gallon tank. Currently, there are 3 fish in the tank, and all three are very healthy Zebra Danios that I have had in this tank for over 4 months now. The tank's water is fine (0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 15 nitrate), but two months ago, I purchased a small Java Fern. It's doing great, but it came with some snails. The snails don't bother the plants or fish, but they've multiplied into the hundreds... in a 5 gallon tank! It's getting ridiculous, and becoming an eyesore. What can I do to get rid of them?
Thanks, Jane
ANSWER: Hi Jane,
You're absolutely right - snails, especially those little pond snails and trumpet snails - will reproduce like crazy! An abundance of snails can be caused by overfeeding. Snails will eat fish food, and an abundance of food means... more snails!
Here's some tips on how to control them.
-Feed fish only once per day, in the morning.
-Perform regular weekly water changes.
Get a small piece of lettuce, and just before you turn off the aquarium light at nighttime, drop in the lettuce. You can weigh it down with a rock. The next morning, you'll find that it's covered in snails! Simply remove and discard of the lettuce. Multiple pieces of lettuce can be used for larger snail infestations.
You can also net them out, one by one... but the lettuce is much easier.
Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for your response, but I was wondering about a product I found at my local fish store. It was called 'Had-a-Snail' or some other sort of name. Are these products effective? (Of course, I'll try the lettuce first - I already dropped a piece in after I turned off the light. Already there's one snail!)
Answer Hi Jane,
It's nice to see that your lettuce is working!
Anyways, I NEVER use nor recommend chemicals, such as 'Had-A-Snail' to kill snails. These chemicals are based on copper, which is a snail killer. The downside of these chemicals are:
A) You'll have lots of dead snail bodies which you'll need to pick up.
B) Copper can damage live plants.
C) Copper can harm some species of fish.
D) It can harm desirable snails, like Apple Snails.
E) It can harm the beneficial bacteria in the filter!
(Which is the worst thing that could possibly happen!)
Well, the short answer to the question, "Are they effective?" is YES, they are, but NO, they are not good.
