Re: [APD] snail killing chemicals

[Scott H <holdsworth at gmail_com>]

It looks like you have MTS (Malasian Trumpet Snail), "Common Pond"
snails, and ramshorn.  For the second two most loaches will take care
of them by eating the young ones.  You could probably use a pair of
dojo loaches to clean them up.  My dojo loaches leave me with about
3-5 of each in the tank.  The MTS you will have a more difficult time
with.  I have found an occasional good gravel cleaning does a good job
on keeping the population in check.  You didn't mention what you
substrate is though.  Hopefully someone else knows a good way to rid
yourself of most of the MTS.

As for a the chemicals.  I wouldn't use any chemical snail
eliminiator.  Your plants won't like it and I doubt the discus will
either.  I know I wouldn't take the risk.

If you had any interest in up rooting all your plants, maybe a 1:20
bleach/water dip on your plants and equip may help.  Just be sure to
dechlorinate dip after words, ;-) .

I also would like to see others thoughts on this.

On Fri, 13 Aug 2004 22:27:58 +1000, Clint Brearley
<clint_brearley at telstra_com> wrote:
> 
> I've had snails in my tank for over a year now and generally I can put up with them, but I've recently decided that I don't like the look of them and would like a snail-free tank if at all possible.
> 
> Here's some pictures of the little buggers:
> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/clintbrearley/snail09_small.jpg
> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/clintbrearley/09-snail_macro.jpg
> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/clintbrearley/snail08_small2.jpg
> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/clintbrearley/snail07_small2.jpg
> 
> I've been considering using a copper-based snail killing chemical such as "Aquamaster Snail-rid", but am a bit worried about the effects of such a product on the plants. I know of one person who has used a half dosage of this product successfully and didn't kill the plants, only slowed them down for a couple of weeks. But I'd like some more advice/opinions before proceeding.
> 
> My main concern is if the copper will kill the plants. I have swords, anubias, java fern/moss, crypts and H. corymbosa. Also a bit worried about ammonium from rotting snail carcases.
> 
> The plan of attack would be to go on "snail warfare" for a week before dosing to physically remove as many of the buggers as possible. Then add a half dose of snail-rid, leave it for however long it takes to kill the snails (24h? 48? longer? any ideas anyone?) and then carryout 50% water changes every couple of days for two weeks or so to get the copper concentration down and prevent ammonium buildup from dead snails. I may have to repeat this if I don't get them all on the first try.
> 
> Does this seem like an okay idea or is this just totally not on in a planted tank? Opinions welcomed?
> 
> Tank info: 48x14x18" 50g tank - 42g water column
> 1.5wpg of T8 FL on for 10.5 h
> pressurised CO2, external reactor on fluval 204 output. shooting for 20-30ppm.
> ~50 bpm 24/7. Powerhead runs at night to agitate surface for CO2 offgasing and O2 transfer
> Tap water is very soft
> 50% waterchange 2x week
> Before refilling, add 15mL aquaplus dechlorinator
> During refilling, add 3tsp CaCl2, 1tsp MgSO4, 3tsp NaHCO3, 1tsp K2SO4
> After refilling, add 1/2tsp KNO3, 60mL KH2PO4 (1/2tsp in 500mL stock), 10mL traces
> temp 82F, GH 8, KH 5, pH 6.6
> 4 discus, 2 SAEs, 8 rummynose, 7 cardinals, 8 ottos, 4 corys.
> 
> Cheers
> Clint
> 
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