What is this infestation?

[BassetsForBrown]

They are live bearing cone snails,(AKA trumpet snail, MTS etc etc ) and yes they usually spend day light hours hidden in, and rummaging thru the substrate,
One of their attributes is that their constant rummaging keeps the substrate loose , from compacting, and from going anaerobic.
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although they are slow growers, they can reach about an inch
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Once established in a tank they can be difficult to get rid of, if that is the desire.

Assassin snails work.
I found the most effective biological control was using the Madagascan snail eating cichlids of the genus Paretroplus.
They can crush young snails, but have can opener like teeth that extract even the large tough shelled adult snails.

Some of these fish get large, 15" so not recommended unless the tank is adequate.
I had a large one I would shuttle between 20 tanks, that could rid a tank inundated with snails, in about 24 hours..

They are considered invasive species in some places , so care should be taken not to release the i natural waters.

There is a Yoyo Loach in the tank, but he's been there the entire time, so whatever amount he is killing isn't adequate. There appear to be at least 100 of these in the tank. Very tiny.

 

[jjohnwm]

If you think you have 100...you likely have 1000.

I love these guys. They are constantly turning over and aerating the substrate, yet never uproot plants. They don't eat plants either. Not sure why the common reaction seems to be "OMG! Must eradicate!"

Plus, they have extremely hard shells, which produce a wonderfully satisfying crrrrunch! when I feed them to my turtle.

 

[BassetsForBrown]

If you think you have 100...you likely have 1000.

I love these guys. They are constantly turning over and aerating the substrate, yet never uproot plants. They don't eat plants either. Not sure why the common reaction seems to be "OMG! Must eradicate!"

Plus, they have extremely hard shells, which produce a wonderfully satisfying crrrrunch! when I feed them to my turtle.

Do you think assassin snails would be an effective removal method?

 

[jjohnwm]

Do you think assassin snails would be an effective removal method?

That depends on the end goal you have in mind. MTS are among the fastest-reproducing snails typically found in aquaria; Assassins are one of the slowest. Assassins will kill and eat MTS, but you would need to put a fair number, say at least a dozen or more, and then watch for several months to see if the MTS population were being impacted.

So...if you want to gradually control what you see as an overpopulation of MTS...Assassins would be worth a try.

But if "removal" of an "infestation" is the goal, I suspect you would be disappointed.

 

[BassetsForBrown]

That depends on the end goal you have in mind. MTS are among the fastest-reproducing snails typically found in aquaria; Assassins are one of the slowest. Assassins will kill and eat MTS, but you would need to put a fair number, say at least a dozen or more, and then watch for several months to see if the MTS population were being impacted.

So...if you want to gradually control what you see as an overpopulation of MTS...Assassins would be worth a try.

But if "removal" of an "infestation" is the goal, I suspect you would be disappointed.

Without moving the fish from the tank and adding chemicals, what method would you suggest to most quickly elimate the snails?

 

[mrrobxc]

Leporinus Fasciatus will work well.

 

[phreeflow]

Feed less, make a trap and bait them at night (they hide in the substrate during the day), add some snail eating fish. You probably have thousands in your substrate. A solo puffer or even a handful of assassins can’t eradicate them fast enough. Maybe a group of loaches?

 

[litigator666]

I think trumpet snails, had a similar issue on my tank and they covered my subtrate and show up on the walls when lights are off. I recently acquired some menerambo and they seem to have controlled it - i only see shells. A few still left but doesnt bother me now.

 

[Deadeye]

Leporinus Fasciatus will work well.

I’d agree, but I can’t imagine the other fish being fond of a lep (or more likely the other way around).