snails in fish tank

[whatwhat]

My warm water fish tank has been invaded by little snails. I dont know where they came from, but they are mulitiplying!
They look like little ice cream cones!
Are they a problem to my tank? Is there anything extra I should be feeding them/
Thanks

[hammerman]

You can buy a "snail killer" remedy but these are usuallyn copper based and will prevent you from keeping invertabrates such as shrimps in the future should you wish to.

A few loaches such as clown loach will usually munch them too.

[snags]

Do you have plants in the tank? The snails prob. came in on those.

Depending on the size of your tank, as Loaches are shoal fish (minimum of three), YoYo Loaches might be better than Clowns as they are smaller. Alternatively, put a bit of lettuce in a small jar and with the lid removed, sink it to the bottom of your tank. The next day you should find many of the snails inside. Empty the jar and repeat the process...

[boxtops]

If you are not careful they will breed and breed and you will have loads of 'em - take them out or, as suggested, buy something which will eat them.

[jomifl]

snails eat algae, algae need light, ergo...Turn the lights off when you don't need them.

However algae consume nitrogenous waste from the fish, snails convert it to snail flesh, fish eat snails?

[whatwhat]

Thanks everyone.
I dont really want to get rid of them if poss (The kids like watching them as there are loads already!)
Just wondered if they were a problem..

[dalebillster]

also, if you do decide to add some form of liquid into the tank to get rid of the snails, beware as these chemicals can harm certain types of fish. I also have snails in my tank but am unable to use either a snail munching fish or use chemicals as i have piranha...

[lilipk]

Hello!
I've heard that snails can have an adverse effect on water cleanliness so it might be worthwhile reducing their numbers. I agree with snags they were more than likely smuggled in with some plant you bought - in the base of it usually. They sound cute though if they look like ice cream cones!! :) Clown loaches sorted out my snail problem but beware as they are prone to whitespot...