We often notice that in aquariums there are snails, and many people wonder what role they play or if they are harmful to the balance of the ecosystem of their tank. These mollusks not only stand out for their appearance, but also for the features that they play, although, if not controlled, they could become a plague which threatens the balance of the aquarium.
What role do snails play in the aquarium?
Snails, in general, are like the cleaning equipment of an aquarium. They are responsible for removing food remains, dead leaves and algae, helping to keep the water cleaner and healthier for the fish. However, this balance can be broken if snails invade the aquarium due to uncontrolled reproduction.
Environmental imbalance The most common cause of a snail infestation is their excessive consumption of live aquatic plants. Plants are crucial because they help oxygenate the water and maintain an adequate nitrogen level, as well as offering shelter and optimal lighting for fish. An overpopulation of snails not only threatens these plants, but also increases the risk of snail infestation. organic waste, generating more waste and therefore polluting the water.
Therefore, before removing any snails from the aquarium, it is essential to identify which species are present and whether they are beneficial or harmful. This will allow you to tackle the problem effectively and without compromising the balance of the aquatic ecosystem.
How to identify harmful snails?
There are certain species of snails that are considered problematic in an aquarium, as they can represent a direct threat to the vegetation or the balance of the environment. Below, we provide a guide to recognizing the most common snails. two species main things you should control:
- Malaysian snail or trumpet snail (melanoides tuberculata): This snail is easily recognizable by its elongated shell and spiral-shaped. When they are few in number, they can be beneficial, as they help to remove food remains and algae. However, in large numbers, they become a pest and can measure up to 2 cm long
- Black snail with oval shell (Lymnaea stagnalis): It is one of the most harmful snails for the plants in the aquarium, since it spends its time feeding on them. Its average size is 9 mm, and is easily recognized by its dark color and voracious habit.
In addition to observing the physical characteristics of the snails, another key indicator of a pest infestation is the gradual deterioration of the plants. If you notice holes in their leaves or visible damage to the foliage, it could be a sign that snails are proliferating excessively.
Why do snail pests appear in the aquarium?
The most common cause of the appearance of snail plagues is the involuntary entry of eggs or small snails via plants or water transported from other aquariums. Since they are difficult to detect, the eggs usually hatch once the plants are inside the tank.
Another important reason is the overeating. Overfeeding fish creates an ideal environment for snails to reproduce uncontrollably. Food scraps that fall to the bottom of the aquarium become the main food for these mollusks, promoting their rapid proliferation.
Finally, an increase in the amount of seaweed It can also encourage mass reproduction of snails, since algae are part of their main diet.
Methods to control a snail infestation
Fortunately, there are effective and safe methods to control snail pests in aquariums. Here are some techniques you can apply:
- Manual withdrawal: In mild cases, it is possible to remove visible snails manually. This can be done with tweezers to avoid damaging plants or fish in the aquarium.
- Snail traps: Place a lettuce leaf or a piece of cucumber in the aquarium overnight to attract snails. The next day, remove the food along with any attached snails.
- Biologic control: Introduce species that feed on snails, such as the assassin snail (Clea helena), which is a safe and natural solution to keep their population under control without wreaking havoc on the aquarium ecosystem.
- Avoid using chemicals: Although there are antiparasitics designed for remove snails, these can negatively affect other inhabitants of the aquarium and alter its parameters. Using them should be the last resort and with extreme caution.
Preventing snail infestations
The best way to avoid a snail infestation is to prevent it from appearing. Here are some practical tips:
- Wash new plants well: Before introducing any plant into your aquarium, wash it thoroughly under running water to remove any eggs or small snails.
- Reduce overfeeding: Only provide the amount of food that the fish can consume in a few minutes. This will prevent any leftovers from being left on the bottom to feed them.
- Periodic revision: Regularly inspect your aquarium for early signs of a pest, such as eggs attached to plant leaves.
Adopting these methods will not only help you prevent pests, but also maintain a healthy environment and balanced in your aquarium.
Proper management of snails ensures that these mollusks fulfill their ecological function without becoming a threat. Therefore, knowing the characteristics of the species present in your aquarium and the best practices to prevent or manage a pest will make a difference in the overall health of your aquatic environment.