OMG!! What a day! I could use some advice, please.

[KPhilly]

I wouldn't add anything to your water, especially during a cycle. Just get assassin snails.

 

[Tetra1990]

It looks like the bb are taking care of some of the ammonia. That's good. I wish I could tell you more about this, but I don't know much about it. I think you can put hydrogen peroxide in the tank to kill some snails, but you should do some research on that, as I don't know much about it. And, assassin snails eat snails, so some of those might help.

Try plucking the snails out by hand. When buying plants, dip them in a hydrogen peroxide dip to kill any snails/eggs. I have had a problem with Malaysian Trumpet Snails in the past. I didn't treat plants that I bought and I got the mts. Bought some assassin snails and they are keeping the mts in check. I'm not sure if they will go after pond snails though.

 

[MMantelli]

Try plucking the snails out by hand. When buying plants, dip them in a hydrogen peroxide dip to kill any snails/eggs. I have had a problem with Malaysian Trumpet Snails in the past. I didn't treat plants that I bought and I got the mts. Bought some assassin snails and they are keeping the mts in check. I'm not sure if they will go after pond snails though.

I have some assassins in my 20 they go after the pond snails first. Before the mts and ramshorns.

 

[Tetra1990]

I have some assassins in my 20 they go after the pond snails first. Before the mts and ramshorns.

I didn't know assassins went after pond snails. It'd make sense though, softer shells=easier meal.

 

[Salukie]

Update:

Joe and Marley shrimp are still alive! Not only that, they are thriving! They are eating like piggies and growing. They've molted once and I think they're due to molt again.

I haven't done anything about the snails yet. They're still small and pretty cute actually.

 

[HouLiGaN]

Update:

Joe and Marley shrimp are still alive! Not only that, they are thriving! They are eating like piggies and growing. They've molted once and I think they're due to molt again.

I haven't done anything about the snails yet. They're still small and pretty cute actually.

Exciting adventure you have my friend, i would like to ask, what do you mean by molted?
(not that i know anything about shrimps etc just curious )

 

[MMantelli]

Exciting adventure you have my friend, i would like to ask, what do you mean by molted?
(not that i know anything about shrimps etc just curious )

Outgrowing there extoskeleton so they shed it and hide untill the new one hardens up.

 

[Salukie]

What do you mean by molted?

Shrimp have an exoskeleton. It's like a hard armor covering their entire body. As they grow, they bust out of their exoskeleton as it becomes too small, and they make a new, larger one.

It's kind of like when a snake sheds its skin.

It's pretty cool.

 

[brennae]

Shrimp really are fun to watch. i love how they move their little legs.
Good Luck with your tank!

 

[HouLiGaN]

Sounds very interesting
I will do some research on it and maybe and 1 or something ...

 

[Salukie]

Thanks, brennae

Sounds very interesting
I will do some research on it and maybe and 1 or something ...

Just don't put the shrimp in with your cichlid. Cichlids like shrimp for dinner!