Back from Vacation, Snail Explosion, what is the counterplay?

[Zmouvek]

Went on a 2 Week Vacation to Ponce, and I come back only to see a huge amount of snails, everywhere. My setup is a 40G breeder with a P. Polli if it matters. I need some sort of permanent solution. I used to just keep them in check by taking them out of the tank whenever I saw them and destroying them with a sledgehammer (really yeah), but that is useless with the massive population now! Help!

 

[Midwater]

Loaches.

Loaches devour snails with relish.

40G is not big enough to have red tails or CL, but half a dozen chain loaches will go nicely, and look good themselves.

 

[Zmouvek]

Loaches.

Loaches devour snails with relish.

40G is not big enough to have red tails or CL, but half a dozen chain loaches will go nicely, and look good themselves.

Wouldn't the Chain's end up in the long term being eaten by my Polli?

 

[kno4te]

Wouldn't the Chain's end up in the long term being eaten by my Polli?

It might try to bite the loaches. Maybe. I’ve the polli till the loaches do their job. Another option is put a piece of cucumber in a jar and when filled up with snails then dump out.

 

[Caperguy99]

Or just feed less? Did you have a vacation auto feeder or somebody feeding your fish?

If you feed an appropriate amount, the number of snails should balance.

 

[Midwater]

Wouldn't the Chain's end up in the long term being eaten by my Polli?

Isn't 40G a bit small for a Polli anyway?

 

[Ogertron3000]

. Another option is put a piece of cucumber in a jar and when filled up with snails then dump out.

This is the best solution, always works.
Then you can smash them with your sledgehammer