Snails in Fishtank

[Prudie]

My tank has large angels, tetras and a few other small fish, a plec and plastic plants. No new fish for at least 6 months. Yesterday noticed the tank is suddenly full of snails, at least a hundred - about 15mm long and ice-cream cone shaped shells. Where on earth have they come from??
This is my 200th question BTW so I'm awarding myself a few maltesers!

[Ratty2E]

They can come in on plants as eggs. Enjoy your Maltesers.

[rowanwitch]

remove as many as possible snails produce extra poo which can over load your filtration

[Tuvok]

You can buy an assian snail which will supposedly get rid of the other snails!

[Prudie]

Thank you all. Thing is the plants are plastic and have been for 2 years. I've not introduced anything to the tank for months. I will prune them (if I can be that mean). I really don't know how they got there.

[Squitty]

Prudie - I had the same a little while ago and although cant prove it, I could only conclude they came with the food. I give mine frozen bloodworms.
Still havent got rid of all the little bu@@ers

[T&S]

You should be able to get a liquid from your local Aquatic Centre which you add to the water and it kills them.

[ruthann58]

you need a clown loach in your tank it will eat all the snails we were overrun with them got a clown and never had a poblem since also they are quite funny as they lay down and have a kip

[Prudie]

Hmmm so they are bad. As you say squitty they can only have got in via food (unless their eggs can lay dormant for a very long time).

[divegirl]

Right firstly what you have are MTS [Malaysian Trumpet snails] and secondly and most importantly do not add a Clown Loach to your tank just to get rid of snails as they need to be kept in group of 4-5 and can grow to 18'' so unless you have a 6' tank....forget it!
The easiest way to get rid of them [without chemicals] is to hand a lettuce leaf in your tank, they'll all jump on for food and then you can whip them out.
Alternatively....grow them and sell them on Ebay!

Lisa x

[divegirl]

that, of course should read 'hang a lettuce leaf'

[Prudie]

Thank you Lisa. I did a little research last night and discovered yes they are Malaysian Trumpet snails and by all accounts they are not harmful at all as long as not too many to upset the filtration. I think I'll just keep an eye on them for now.