What are these inside my filter??

[Scorpio99]

Today, when I did my filter maintenance, I noticed what I think to be small snails inside my cannister filter. What is the main reason why these things appear in my filter and are these harmful to the fish and to the filter itself?? If it is harmful, how can I get rid of those???

 

[tlindsey]

View attachment 1414000View attachment 1414001

Today, when I did my filter maintenance, I noticed what I think to be small snails inside my cannister filter. What is the main reason why these things appear in my filter and are these harmful to the fish and to the filter itself?? If it is harmful, how can I get rid of those???

A type of snail probably harmless to fish but if the snail gets into your filters impeller it can do damage. Probably came from plants or even driftwood. I suggest cleaning out your filter or you can catch them with a leaf of lettuce.

 

[krichardson]

Looks like snails to me and not sure if they are potentially harmful or not,depending on the species.

 

[kno4te]

Agree with the other guys. Look like bladder snails.

 

[Rass]

I have these in most of my tanks now, along with about four other species, since I propagate and reuse my plants all the time. Totally harmless, and snails in my opinion are beneficial in breaking down uneaten food and waste.