Small Loaches for Community Tank

[rdd1952]

I have a MAJOR snail problem in my 29 gallon. These are trumpet snails and I am at a loss as to how to get rid of them. I'm sure I was overfeeding and that started the population explosion but it is now out of control. If I had to make a guess as to how many were in there, I would say well over 1000. I have only fed the fish once since last Tuesday but can't tell any difference in the snails. If anything, there are now more.

I have decided I have 2 options: changing the substrate out to get rid of them completely or adding a couple smallish loaches to hopefully eat them. With my current stock in the 29 gallon (10 tetras, 4 corys, 5 algae eating shrimp and 2 ghost shrimp) I feel that I am pretty much fully stocked but would probably be ok to add them for 2 to 4 weeks to clean up my problem. I do think I have room in my 75 gallon to move the loaches to after they clean this one up. The stock in there is 10 tetras, 5 corys, 4 medium sized angels and 4 SAEs. Picking the snails out by hand isn't possible becasue ot the enormous number of them and the fact that most are only 1/8" to 1/4" long.

Now for the questions:
What small loaches would be compatible with the fish in my 2 tanks, particularly the ones in the 75 gallon which is where they would eventually end up?
Would the loaches bother the shrimp in my 29 gallon?
Is changing the substrate really my best option?

 

[The-Wolf]

any of the Botia species of loach will be great snailers.
I'd recomend botia striata and botia rostrata for the 29 gal
Botia almorhae or botia angelicus for the larger tank

 

[Lateral Line]

Botia striata is a pretty good choice for what you want, i.e. for occassional service in the smaller tank. A good snail eater, not a large fish, and not overly aggressive.

Malaysian Trumpet Snails are very quick breeders, and you can be quite shocked if you look in the tank at night when they come up. They are, though, for the most part harmless, and can even be beneficial in keeping the substrate open. Total eradication therefore, may not be the optimal condition.

 

[rdd1952]

Botia striata is a pretty good choice for what you want, i.e. for occassional service in the smaller tank. A good snail eater, not a large fish, and not overly aggressive.

Malaysian Trumpet Snails are very quick breeders, and you can be quite shocked if you look in the tank at night when they come up. They are, though, for the most part harmless, and can even be beneficial in keeping the substrate open. Total eradication therefore, may not be the optimal condition.

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I don't mind having a few left. I know they are good to have with sand as they keep it from compacting and forming gas pockets. Unfortunately, I don't think I can get it under control without either changing substrate or getting something to eat them.

Would I have a problem with either the Botia Striata or Rostrata and any of my other fish or shrimp? The main thing is that I want to get rid of the snails or at least get them under control. I really like loaches and would love to have some in my 75 gallon but don't want to stress my other fish as they are doing so well. I don't mind changing the substrate to get rid of the snails if that is the best option.

 

[Lateral Line]

Hmmm, yes, the shrimps... I don't keep shrimps, never have, I wonder if they might go the same way as the snails? The fish would not be a problem, these are not aggressive species. Little ones like Botia moreleti are really nasty for their size, so watch out for them.

 

[rdd1952]

Since they eat snails, I figured shrimp might be a problem. I think I'll just change the substrate. My shrimp are about 2" long and I've had the 2 ghost shrimp since January. I don't want to lose any. Thanks for the replys.