Are Snails in an Aquarium Bad?

While they are known for improving aquarium water quality, snails are not good for aquariums for several reasons. Primarily, since snails have both male and female reproductive organs, they can reproduce on their own. What starts as one or two snails in an aquarium can evolve into a tank overrun with molluscs. There are several ways to prevent or to get rid of snails and bring the aquarium back to ship shape.

  1. Snail Prevention

    • Soaking plants in salt water will remove any snails.

      The most common way snails enter an aquarium, other than purchase, is what is known as "piggybacking." Snails will attach themselves to aquarium plants and large fish, earning a free ride. When purchasing plants from an aquarium or pet store, be sure to thoroughly inspect all fish and plants to avoid taking on any snail stowaways.

    Introduce Natural Predators

    • Green puffer fish will eat snails but can bother other tank species.

      The most recommended approach from pet stores and industry experts is to let nature take its course by introducing natural predators that feed off of snails into the tank. These include a variety of fish and bacteria, including clown loaches and dwarf puffer fish. Dwarf puffer fish are recommended as they are the least likely to attempt to bother other fish in the aquarium.

    Vegetable Approach

    • Keep the lights off when the lettuce is placed in the tank.

      Another snail removal tactic recommended by fish tank hobbyists is the "vegetable approach." This method requires that hot water is run over a leaf of lettuce and then the lettuce placed inside the tank just before dark. In the morning, when the leaf is removed, snails in the tank will be adhered to the lettuce.

    Chemical Removal

    • Chemicals can interfere with other life in the tank.

      While chemical removal is the easiest method to remove snails, the chemicals used often do not guarantee the health or survival of other fish living in the aquarium. Even if the fish survive the implementation of the chemical, other species in the tank, such as bacteria that can foster positive aquarium growth, may be killed and throw off the balance of the aquarium. Pet stores recommend that chemicals are used only as a last resort.