Who Gives A Fish Forums

My Anubias and Java Fern are getting destroyed by snails. I've tried reducing feeding, but they still go after the plants. Any tips to keep them off without harming the plants or fish?

Snails can be a real nuisance when they target healthy plants. Have you tried adding blanched vegetables like zucchini as an alternative food source? It often distracts them from the plants. Also, what's your tank size and snail population like?

Yo, I had the same prob with my tank. Snails were all over my Crypts. I started dropping in cucumber slices, and they kinda chilled out. Maybe give that a shot?

Snails typically avoid plants with tougher leaves, like Anubias, unless they're starving. Check your water parameters, especially nitrate levels, as high nutrients can encourage snail outbreaks. A balanced ecosystem is key.

Man, snails are relentless. I tried the veggie trick, but they still munched my plants. Ended up getting a couple of Assassin Snails, and they cleaned house. Might be worth a shot if you're cool with adding more snails.

Regular manual removal can help control snail populations. Use a trap or pick them out during water changes. Also, avoid overfeeding, as leftover food fuels their reproduction.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try the zucchini and cucumber first. My tank is a 20-gallon with about a dozen snails, so hopefully, distracting them works.

tactix wrote: ↑Sat Jun 07, 2025 4:36 am Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try the zucchini and cucumber first. My tank is a 20-gallon with about a dozen snails, so hopefully, distracting them works.

A dozen isn't too bad, but if they're still a problem, consider reducing their numbers manually. Also, what's your lighting schedule? Too much light can encourage algae, which snails love.

Yeah, lighting's a big deal. I cut mine back to 6 hours a day, and the snails slowed down. Plus, my plants are doing better now too.

knightly wrote: ↑Sat Jun 07, 2025 6:10 am Yeah, lighting's a big deal. I cut mine back to 6 hours a day, and the snails slowed down. Plus, my plants are doing better now too.

For real? I'm gonna try that. My lights are on for like 10 hours, no wonder the snails are thriving.