Algaecide for snail infestation?

[BassetsForBrown]

Hi
I have two Angels, two Clown Loaches, and a Pleco. I added some Java Fern/Anubias, and tiny snails began appearing all over the tank. They spawn faster than I can remove them.

I've read that algaecide is toxic for invertebrates. Could algaecide be an effective way to deal with the problem? Would it be safe for the fish? And at what dose?

Appreciate your help, thanks

 

[fishhead0103666]

What I would do is get some lettuce and put a piece in at night. Use a fork to stab it so it get weighed down. You should have a snail covered piece of lettuce in the morning.

 

[kno4te]

Hi
I have two Angels, two Clown Loaches, and a Pleco. I added some Java Fern/Anubias, and tiny snails began appearing all over the tank. They spawn faster than I can remove them.

I've read that algaecide is toxic for invertebrates. Could algaecide be an effective way to deal with the problem? Would it be safe for the fish? And at what dose?

Appreciate your help, thanks

Believe algaecide in overdose can do it. It’ll also can harm ur fish. Would advise the way fishhead0103666 has mentioned. Safest way.

 

[BIG-G]

I would do as fishhead0103666 suggested.
If lettuce doesn’t work you can try different baits like zucchini or a slice of sweet potatoe.

I’m surprised you even have an issue with clown Loaches in the tank they will usually wipe out any snail that appears.

 

[BassetsForBrown]

Don't snails lay tons of tiny eggs though? Even if I got all the visible ones with lettuce, won't the unhatched generations still continue to appear?

Thanks

 

[fishhead0103666]

Once you start seeing baby snails you can either squish them or do the lettuce trick again. Eventually you should get rid of them. Alternatively you could get an assassin snail or two but I’m not personally fond of getting an animal to take care of a problem but that’s your decision.

 

[Magnus_Bane]

Once you start seeing baby snails you can either squish them or do the lettuce trick again. Eventually you should get rid of them. Alternatively you could get an assassin snail or two but I’m not personally fond of getting an animal to take care of a problem but that’s your decision.

Assassin snails will help control a snail population but it won't eradicate it like loaches or puffers will. The assassin will die before it runs out of snails to eat.

 

[BIG-G]

B BassetsForBrown what kind of snail do you have?
I assume it’s probably pond snails aka bladder snails.
They are not the scourge they are made out to be, in my experience.

I have these in several aquarium and raise them intentionally to feed my loaches and I even take a bag full to the LFS now and again for them to feed the different puffers they have in stock.
If I were you I would just let the Loach take care of it.

 

[BassetsForBrown]

Maybe a stupid question, but does the type of lettuce matter? Romaine vs Iceberg?

Thanks again

 

[Magnus_Bane]

Maybe a stupid question, but does the type of lettuce matter? Romaine vs Iceberg?

Thanks again

Not really. All a snail cares about is algea and decaying plant matter.