Combating snail infestation in the aquarium: the right way to do it

Aquariums are a wonderful way to keep and observe a variety of fish species and other aquatic plants. However, one of the biggest challenges aquarium owners can face is snail infestation. Although they make a useful contribution to the aquarium ecosystem, snails can become a nuisance and affect the health of fish and plants by eating food scraps and dead plants, disrupting the nitrogen cycle of the aquarium. In this blog post, we will look at how to control and prevent a snail infestation in the aquarium to maintain a healthy and beautiful aquarium.

Snail plague in the aquarium: How do the snails get into the aquarium?

Snails get into the aquarium through plants and it is practically impossible to avoid them completely. Even if you never intended to put snails in the tank, you will soon see small snails crawling through the newly set up aquarium. In most cases, snails enter the aquarium through aquatic plants. Since either the animals themselves or their spawn stick to the plants, the snails get into the next tank and a snail plague quickly develops in the aquarium.

Why is a snail infestation in the aquarium problematic?

Snails are omnivores and can endanger the fish stock and the plants in the aquarium by eating food remains and dead plant parts. They can also accumulate in the filter and clog it. An excessive snail population can also disturb the biological balance in the aquarium, as snails affect the nitrogen cycle.

Combating snail infestation in the aquarium: the right way to do it

There are various ways to combat a snail infestation in the aquarium. However, the following methods should be used with caution as they may also affect other inhabitants in the aquarium.

  • Preventive methods: To prevent a snail infestation in the aquarium, aquatic plants and decorations can be thoroughly cleaned before use. In addition, only as much food should be given as the fish can eat in a short time.
  • Natural methods: There are some fish species that eat snails, such as the clownfish or loach. However, these cannot be used in a Triops aquarium as they are simply too big for our primeval crabs. Another possibility is to reduce the food supply, as snails feed on food remains.
  • Mechanical methods: Snails can be removed from the aquarium with a fish trap or tweezers. However, this method is only effective with a small number of snails.
  • Chemical methods: There are special agents on the market to kill snails in the aquarium. However, these can also harm other inhabitants of the aquarium, so this method should only be used as a last option. In a Triops aquarium, this method is strongly discouraged as the sensitive Triops may be affected.

Combating snail infestation in the aquarium – Conclusion

A plague of snails in the aquarium can be a problem that clouds the enjoyment of this hobby. There are various ways to control snails in the aquarium, but everyone should be careful not to endanger other inhabitants of the aquarium. A preventive method is the best solution to avoid a snail infestation. Regular cleaning of the aquarium and conscious feeding of the Triops and other aquarium inhabitants is the best method to control a snail infestation in the aquarium.

Sladjan Lazic

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