How To Ensure Plants Are Snail Free

[dc1377]

I would like to add some plants to my tank and I want to make sure that they are snail free. I know that I saw a post on here about submerging the plants in a solution of water and something else, but I cannot find it now.

So, what can I do to ensure that any plants I add to my tank are free of snails and eggs or any other hitchhikers?

 

[papuzka]

You can wash them thoroughly under running tap. I personally wouldn't bother a lot, because I once had an outbreak of snails in my tank and after I introduced tiger barbs they ate all of them So if you have snail eating fish you should be fine.

 

[dc1377]

Nope - No snail eating fish, just community fish - mollies, swordtails and a tetra. Had an outbreak of snails before and had a heck of a time getting rid of them. I don't want a repeat of that! I thought I could soak the plants in vinegar and water or something. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

 

[phishyphil]

Hi mate, I wouldn't personally go down the route of snail eating fish, but highlight the cause of the out break. Whet you add new plants to the tank, firstly rinse them under water for a minute or so, carefully checking leaves and stems, not just for the anails but the snail eggs. These are a jelly like substance usually under leaves and attached to stems, if you find any, DO NOT SQUASH THEM as this can make it worse, just rinse them off, I then leave them to soak in a bowl of water for an hour or so.

And I never have any snails in my tank. If the snails keep growing in numbers, there is a chance you are over feeding your fish, and the snails are eating up all the excess food. Try cutting back a bit on feeding. I Personally only feed my fish Every other day. No Need to feed them twice a day, every day, it just causes more mess, and more cleaning. Fish will always eat, its in there nature, doesn't mean they need feeding

 

[alihar]

I soak plants in a solution of water and potassium permanganate around 2 teaspoons to 1 gallon of water for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Alison

 

[ShinyCard255]

I don't consider snails to be bad for a tank as they do help out, but that's also my opinion.

I would just do a thorough rinse of the plant first before putting it in the tank if you are that worried about snails.

If they do get in your tank and you want them gone, what I have done is cut off a piece cucumber, submerged it in the tank (usually just let it sit on the substrate), and pull it out in 24 hours. That usually gets a good majority of them out.