How to Get Rid of Freshwater Aquarium Snail Eggs

Sometimes snails in your aquarium are helpful in eating away excess algae and fish food from the tank. However, they're known to breed so much that the snails' population can overtake the rest of your aquarium. Snail eggs can come from snails already living in your tank or by unknowingly introducing plants with eggs already attached from other aquariums. Eliminating snail eggs stops any population control problem before it starts. Being diligent and thorough in your methods can guarantee success in eradicating the eggs.

Things You'll Need

  • Small glass jar
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Lettuce
  • Pennies
  • Freshwater puffer fish, clown loach, catfish, cichlid or Siamese fighter fish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the snails living in your aquarium to stop them from breeding in your tank. Thoroughly wash a small glass jar with soap and water, rinse it and let it air dry. Place a small piece of lettuce inside the jar, fill the jar with aquarium water and let it sink into the bottom of your aquarium. The snails will be attracted to the food and will gather inside the jar. Remove the jar and snails from the water. Add a new piece of lettuce and replace the jar in the tank until all of the snails have been removed.

    • 2

      Remove any aquarium plants and rinse them thoroughly. Rub every area of each plant between your fingers to dislodge any transparent snail eggs that might be attached to the stems or leaves. Inspect each plant so you don't miss any eggs before replacing it in the aquarium. Remove any aquarium decorations and wash them thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse them, allow them to dry and inspect them for any overlooked eggs before replacing them.

    • 3

      Wash a few pennies with soap and water. Rinse them well and let them dry. Then sink them in your aquarium near any aquarium plants or decorations where snails would be inclined to lay eggs. Although you have already taken steps to eradicate the snails and their eggs, the copper from the penny is toxic to any snails or eggs you might have overlooked. While the copper should be harmless to your freshwater fish, don't add pennies if you keep any other invertebrates in your aquarium.

    • 4

      Introduce a fish that preys on snails and snail eggs if the steps you've taken to eradicate the pests have been unsuccessful. Freshwater puffer fish, clown loaches, catfish, cichlids and Siamese fighter fish eat snails, snail eggs or both. However, research these fish to ensure that the predator you choose can coexist with your other fish and live in your aquarium's environment.