About To Restart Stocking New Tank

[rowdyates]

Hi All,

Have a new tank 180 litres which has had fish in since the 29th September (after a fishless cycle), unfortunately I lost 2 guppies, so Iv'e had a period of treatment when another showed symptoms, 2 weeks now since the treatment ended and no more losses so I think I'm ready to start adding some more fish. I've currently got 6 harlequins and 3 guppies, the plan was to eventually have 2 Rams, 3 Ottos, 6 Julii Cory's and possibly 6 cardinal tetras and 4 cherry barbs, now not sure on these last two, I'll see. Anyway to get to the point, I reckon I'm taking out about 10 snails a day, small ones and really I don't want to, so what I would like is something which will eat snails. Now I'm sure these are the larger fish, which is something I don't really want, so what sort of fish could I keep with my planned community, that eats snails and doesn't get too big.

Thanks,

Keith

 

[kris-b-]

Have you tried putting in a leaf of lettuce over night? In the morning you will see loads of snails on it and you just pull it out! I'm not sure what fish will actually eat the snails though!

 

[Pixie25]

loaches eat snails. most people choose clown loaches. look on the fish index to see if they will fit in with your tank though - i dont know anything about them other than they eat snails!

 

[emma12321]

Hi,

Clown loaches would get too big at 12 inches, zebra loach (botia striata) would be a good choice a group of 3 or 4 , they only get 3-4 inches long and should get on with corys.

Emma

 

[rowdyates]

Hi,

Had a quick look and the Zebra Loaches look good, do these definately eat snails though?

Cheers,

Keith

 

[emma12321]

Hi,

I have a group of 3 zebras and they definately eat snails, the only loaches i have that don't are the hillstream loaches and khuli loaches are a bit lazy, they would eat one if it's put in front of them but they don't pick them off the glass and plants. There are other loaches similar to zebras such as dario loaches which grow a similar size.

Have a look on www.loaches.com in the species list and see what takes your fancy. look at the ones that stay under 6 inches then you can have a larger group. I'd avoid the skunk loach as they are said to be very nippy.

Emma