Snails for algae control

[Nortzy21]

Hi all,

I'm looking to add some snails to my 20 gallon planted aquarium. In there I currently have a thriving fern and floating weed of some sort as well as some guppies that are breeding like crazy. I'm using tap water though so the algae is getting a bit out of control and I'd like to add some snails or such to naturally control the problem. I am well aware though that snails reproduce like crazy and could explode in numbers in my peaceful 20 gallon planted tank. I barely know anything about snails so please give me some advice on what snails to add and how many to control the algae. Should I even look into adding some cherry shrimp or some small fish? Any advice or suggestions are appreciated!!!

Thanks,
Sam


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[ImACoolguy]

First question:

How long are your lights on everyday?

Though snails will eat algae, don't expect to see much improvement overnight. It would take a lot of snails for you to see a noticeable difference.


Caleb

 

[Caliban07]

Hi all,

I'm looking to add some snails to my 20 gallon planted aquarium. In there I currently have a thriving fern and floating weed of some sort as well as some guppies that are breeding like crazy. I'm using tap water though so the algae is getting a bit out of control and I'd like to add some snails or such to naturally control the problem. I am well aware though that snails reproduce like crazy and could explode in numbers in my peaceful 20 gallon planted tank. I barely know anything about snails so please give me some advice on what snails to add and how many to control the algae. Should I even look into adding some cherry shrimp or some small fish? Any advice or suggestions are appreciated!!!

Thanks,
Sam


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

Nerite snails will deal with the algae quite quickly. You only need a couple in a 20. They won't reproduce either. They will lay eggs but I believe they need brackish water to hatch.


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[Nortzy21]

First question:

How long are your lights on everyday?

Though snails will eat algae, don't expect to see much improvement overnight. It would take a lot of snails for you to see a noticeable difference.


Caleb

My lights are on from 10am to 8pm so that's 10 hours. Should I just reduce my photoperiod


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[ImACoolguy]

My lights are on from 10am to 8pm so that's 10 hours. Should I just reduce my photoperiod


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Yes I would, 8 hours max though 6 hours may benefit you more to help get algae under control.


Caleb

 

[Aliray]

Nerite snails won't reproduce in freshwater. They love alqea and also mine love zucchini squash. They are easy and long lived. Mine have laid eggs on the driftwood, they look like small white sesame seeds. eventually they go away and my cory cats seem to like them after they have been there for 6 months or so. I have one tracked and 3 zebra nerites and highly recommend them. Alison