This makes them a great choice if you’re trying to deal with pest snails in your tank. In smaller numbers Pond Snails are excellent aquarium cleaners and will contribute to low nitrates. Old time aquarists recommend soaking aquarium plants in a solution of 2-3 teaspoons of alum dissolved in a quart of water. Black Devil Snails are a species that can grow to be rather long (around 3.5 inches max). With so many types of freshwater aquarium snails out there, it can be tricky to decide which one is the best you. In our opinion, they’re one of the most underrated creatures in the aquarium scene. Pond Snails will lay batches of eggs around the aquarium. This is a type of aquarium snail that doesn’t get talked about as much as it should. From sunup to sundown these little critters diligently scavenge for organic matter and waste that accumulates over time. They’re great algae-eaters and will spend most of their time scavenging and avoiding other animals in your aquarium. Actually, they can even be quite useful. Even if you wanted to breed them it would be challenging! Long story). Snail eggs often sneak into the aquarium on new plants or live fish food. They can go from one end of the tank to another in no time at all. Unless you already have an incompatible tank mate (anything that eats snails) there really shouldn’t be anything holding you back. The Gold Inca is absolutely stunning because of the rich yellow that covers their shells and body. Pond Snails species vary in size. If you feed more than your aquarium fish can eat, the leftovers will fall down to the substrate. Outbreaks of nuisance snails are one of the most common problems we encounter from aquarists with planted aquariums. Their shell has a lot of texture with ridges as well. You’ll never have to worry about them thriving in your tank as long as everything is relatively stable. They have a boldly patterned shell made up of black and yellow swirls. They’re about an inch in diameter and will live for roughly a year with good care. Pond Snails are sensitive to ammonia spikes and copper additives. At this point, these snails are mostly found in the aquarium scene instead of the wild. There’s really not much that you need to plan, and that’s why we like them so much. Their ease of reproduction can lead to issues with over population. Snails, or their eggs, can hitch on most types of plants and arrive in your home aquarium. There are a number of very intricate and beautiful designs that you’ll find on their shells that are simply mesmerizing to look at. These aquarium snails are super low maintenance and easy to take care of. Remove any excess after this time period. They’re flexible when it comes to water parameters and can fit in rather small aquariums (this species rarely grows larger than one inch in diameter). This is actually one of the fastest aquarium snails on our list! We put together this list of the best aquarium snails based on each of the primary families. In fact, the main item on the menu for Assassin Snails is other snails. They will basically eat the same Their ease of reproduction can lead to issues with over population. Our favorite thing about this snail is their shell patterns. Snails help you keep your fish tank clean by eating food leftovers, agae, rotten plants, even fish poop. Aquatic plants are the most likely to be hijacked. Rabbit Snails have a long head that protrudes from their shell quite a bit. Japanese Trapdoor Snails have a different “aged” sort of look to them that none of the other species on our list can match. One of the nice things about these critters is that that they won’t cause overpopulation issues. Pond Snails can arrive in the aquarium through a number of ways. They lay eggs in gelatinous globs on surfaces such as plants, decorations, and even the tank glass, and that’s one of the reasons they are so invasive. The eggs of pond snails can come with plants, or decorations while remaining unseen. Trust me when I say that it can be super annoying to find out your snails have been eating from the plants in your planted tank. This list of the best aquarium snails will help you learn about the popular options we recommend. Frogs and sterlets eat adult pond snails. It’s not uncommon for these fish to hit the 5-year mark, with some even doubling that! This snail gets it's name from it's diet- other snails. In our opinion, the Ramshorn is one of the best aquarium snails out there and there are plenty of other Pond species that are worthwhile too. Their body is often dotted with tiny dark spots. They can be seen with the naked eye and should be removed if there is an overpopulation. Many pond keepers have mistakenly put apple snails in their ponds to control algae, and seen just how much damage these animals can do to emergent plants. This comes from their ability to quickly reproduce and take over a tank if left unchecked. Japanese Trapdoor Snails are quite active at all times (even night). Despite their small size, this species does a great job of cleaning the tank too. Other snails on our list are more passive and choose to nibble on the biofilm that grows on each plant, but the Apple Snail will go after the plant itself. All in all they are very active creatures. In other words, with a few snails on your side, the water quality can actually be higher and you have to change it less frequently. They will also eat decaying plant matter, dead animals, and old food. Most commonly they are 3/4 - 1 1/4 inches in size. Lava snails (they are also called black devil snails) are a very interesting snail species. Personally, we think they’re great freshwater snails to include in your aquarium because of their interesting look and benefits they bring. Assassin snails are a wholly unique snail to keep in your freshwater aquarium. What they are doing is that they basically acting as if the fish here eating, pooping and starting the ammonia cycle. Aquarium snails are low-maintenance and have no interest in causing trouble with their tank mates. In fact, they’re one of the most popular…, Ever since we got into the aquarium scene we’ve been on the lookout for different kinds of colorful…, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, The 27 Most Colorful Freshwater Fish For Your Aquarium, Indian Almond Leaves: Benefits For Your Aquarium, The 35 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Must-See), 35 Peaceful Community Fish For Your Tank (Updated List), Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips. When keeping Pond Snails it is recommended to start with very few snails and ensure not to overfeed the aquarium. Most snails that hitchhike into your aquarium (and often considered pest snails) do not eat healthy leaves. They’ll spend their time slowly moving around the tank cleaning up whatever they can! Pond snails like Ramshorn Snails receive a bad reputation. In our opinion, the Ramshorn is one of the best aquarium snails out there and there are plenty of other Pond species that are worthwhile too. But that’s actually not the case at all. After 2-3 days in this solution, all snails and eggs should be gone. The size of this species can vary greatly, with their length running somewhere between half an inch and two inches (genetics and the quality of their care will impact this). These little critters stand out in any tank because of their interesting colors and patterns. Snails, or their eggs, arrive in aquariums via live plants, on aquarium décor transferred from one tank to another wet and uncleaned, in the bag of water new fish come in, or from transfer on nets from tank to tank. Pond snails can make their way into tanks by being attached to live plants purchased from the store. Week 4- About 100 snails in the hospital tank and 30 in the large 20-gallon aquarium. The common Pond snails are considered “Pest snails“ by many aquarium owners. When they’re not hungry they are far less likely to go after the plants in your tank (not exactly rocket science). These are fairly standard numbers for aquarium snails. Hardscape such as driftwood and rocks can also carry the eggs. These snails are so Hardy! Because of their size, you would expect them to be a bit slower (like the Rabbit Snail). It means that they do not require any special care in your tank. They’re adorable, interesting, and a lot of fun to watch! Their body can range from a light translucent yellow color to a deep brown. Most of the colors are either yellow and/or brown, but there are a bunch of different options that you’ll see in their patterns. While they may serve some purpose in outdoor Our favorite is probably the tiger variety. While this isn’t as long as the Rabbit Snail, it still dwarfs a lot of other freshwater species. It’s shaped like a cone and gradually thins out the further back it goes. They’re also extremely easy to care for. The Mystery Snail is a species we absolutely love. Their shell is shaped like a swirl of frosting and usually has three distinct whorls. Good Snails for the Aquarium When you see a tiny snail moving across the front of your tank, your first instinct may be to panic but keep in mind that not all snails are bad. Thus, even a fairly dense population of snails (especially those species that breathe atmospheric air) is unlikely to compete with aquarium fish. Added to your pond, these natural ‘cleaners’ will help to keep the water clear. They are a very good addition to any aquarium and they will not disturb other animals in the tank. Week 5- I have no clue. Can i put bladder snails in a pond? This helps keep your tank clean and reduces wear and tear on your filtration equipment. Feint spirals are visible only because of the lines you can see run from one end to the other. When they’re moving, these freshwater snails have a surprising amount of energy and will cover a lot of ground! They will reproduce in any aquarium with water and food. For some reason, a lot of people consider other species when they want to make an impact on algae. One downside of pond snails is that they can cause overpopulation in the tank because they have the ability to The only ornamental aquarium snail that may be able to live along an Oranda Goldfish is the Apple snail. Pond Snails can simply be fed commercial flake and pellet food. Sometimes they can come with the water. I wouldn't, bladder Tadpole or Pond Snails These are the most common snails you’ll encounter, and they breed like crazy. After all, experimenting with different creatures is part of what makes having an aquarium so fun in the first place. There are a wide range of water parameters that the Ivory Snail can thrive in, making them easy to keep. They are very small in size and hence it is recommended to also soak anything that goes into the tank in a pesticide. This makes them much slower than your average freshwater aquarium snail (it’s hard to believe that’s even possible). This isn’t the case for most of the other types on this list. They should be thoroughly rinsed in a commercial sanitizer before being placed in the aquarium. Their adults can do “submarine” trick by somehow managing to get enough air in their shell to rise directly toward the water surface or to a higher place in the aquarium. I finally got all of them out of my tank since i dont want them in there (already have nerites) and i have them in a bowl. These snails are usually between one and two inches in length and are active at night. Millie is a passionate aquarist who caught the fishkeeping bug in high school and has been addicted ever since. It makes this species really stand out! There are also certain species, including the You can pair them with other aquarium snails or shrimp too if you’re looking for a little variety. Ramshorn, Trumpet and pond snails make great scavengers for shrimp tanks and fry-rearing tanks. With that being said, there are a lot of good options to choose from if you’re prepared for this. Pond Snails refer to a broad collection of species with the Ramshorn being one of the most popular types (more on them below). Snails that sneak in are usually the types that multiply rapidly and are considered by some aquarists as “bad” or nuisance snails. If you can’t control the intake we recommend placing some kind of filter or guard in front to prevent them from getting stuck. Nitrates should be as close to 0ppm as possible. In fact, these are one of the most beginner-friendly snails on our list! They are very easy to take care of and have a reasonable water parameter range that you can keep them in. The Apple Snail is a very simple and reliable species that anyone can take care of. Pond Snails are most likely found in pH neutral aquariums. It’s common to find these critters burrowing in the substrate as well (if it’s sandy). Rabbit snails, also called the Elephant snails, are very peaceful snails. You’ll often find see them moving along the sides of your tank or climbing on whatever plants they can find. The eggs are clear jelly like clutches laid on glass and hardscape and can be easily removed. By adding some variety to your tank with any of the freshwater snails on our list, your tank will take on a whole new dynamic. They look great in any aquarium, and their pattern allows you to locate them quite easily! The most common freshwater snail found in aquariums is the apple snail, which can grow to be six inches and is … Though much maligned, snails are perfectly normal in tanks with live plants and can even help with algae control. This aquarium snail is a bit interesting because it’s carnivorous. It is very simple and safe because these pond snails can tolerate extreme conditions. Pond snails can do well in the aquarium and will eat the green algae and diatoms that grow on the tank glass and decorations. They include Ramshorns, Malaysian Trumpets and pond snails. Rabbit Snails are a species with a very interesting look. They only reach about an inch in diameter and can be kept in rather small tanks. To keep their appetite under control a lot of aquarists like to feed them standard plant-based fish food. Pond Snails are the most common species of freshwater snail. The Great Pond snails (Lymnaea stagnalis) are one the largest aquatic snail species in fish or shrimp keeping hobby. These ponds could be teeming with snails. Snails are a natural part of your aquatic plant’s environment! Plants that are consciously collected can contain these critters as well. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This species is low-maintenance and easy to care for. There’s something about watching them that’s just so addicting! Some also deliberately culture Bladder snails and even Lymnaea species, which are all very common in ponds. You might pass by and see them starting to make their way across the aquarium, and find that they’ve barely made progress half an hour later. Pond snails are members of the gastropod family, along with mollusks, slugs, and approximately 60,000 other species. Pond snails are omnivorous and will consume plants and food meant for other invertebrates. These snails do well in planted tanks with a sandy substrate. Its shell is hard enough to keep it safe from the Goldfish’s constant harassment. Pond Snails are extremely easy to breed. You won’t see a lot of action during the day, so if that’s important to you it’s best to keep an eye on your tank in the late evening. Snail diagram In nature, coils, and physa’s, as a rule, inhabit small sections of reservoirs with standing water, brightly lit by the sun and rich in the lower vegetation, which forms the basis of their diet. They also have the potential to live longer than a lot of other snails. Their young can swim. Learn more. These snails are less likely to consume plants in an aquarium, as compared to Ramshorn snails, for instance. There are many different types of aquarium catfish out there. Almost every healthy aquarium has a few of these guys. AquaLife UK 10x Tadpole Bladder Aquarium Pond Snails Cleans Algae Freshwater Tropical Fish Food 4.0 out of 5 stars 126 £12.95 £ 12. Fortunately, they won’t devour your plants like some of the other snails on this list. Pond Snail – You would be hard pressed to find anyone who actually wants pond snails in their aquarium (unless they are breeding them for Dwarf Puffers or other similar fish). Sometimes, they are even in the display tank water used to transport fish in the plastic bag from the store. Any excess food should be removed from the tank as to not encourage population outbreak. This species is more during the night so if you want to observe them you’ll need to wait until later in the evening, or early in the morning. They’re known for their ability to quickly reproduce and overpopulate a tank if you’re not careful. They have small, rounded shells and grow to about the size of a pea. They belong to the family of so-called “Mud snails” (Lymnaeidae). We especially like putting them in a heavily-planted tank to achieve maximum contrast. Unlike Ramshorn snails they are less likely to consume plants in the aquarium. Before you take drastic measures to eliminate the snails in your tank, take a moment to determine whether it might actually be a beneficial snail. However, the most probably reason why these tiny snails take over an aquarium is because of overfeeding. They’re not very big (only about an inch in length) which makes them seem more “natural” than some of the other species on our list. Aquatic plant farms usually mass-produce plants in huge ponds or containers. An invasion of snails in the home aquarium can become a real Unfortunately, the apple snail most commonly sold in the aquarium and pond Snails can play an important part in maintaining freshwater aquariums as long as you choose the right type. Pond Snails: More often than not, pond snails are the type of freshwater snails that end up in tanks by accident. This look helps them stand out among other species and makes it easy to pick them out at a glance. Pond Snails are extremely easy to breed. They are longer in body shape which allows them to burrow easily. Sometimes called Inca snails, Mystery snails (Pomacea spp.) They won’t mess with any other animals and keep to themselves. When you combine this with a well-planted tank you get a beautiful combination of yellow on top of the green. If you’re looking for something a bit different, this is a type of snail we definitely recommend. Because of their small size, you’ll need to be cautious with the power of your filtration. When feeding other shrimp and inverts make sure they are given only enough food for them to consume in an hour. They will happily eat a lot of the other snails on this list, so think carefully when picking their tank mates! We’ve seen a noticeable difference in water quality after adding them! We’ve seen these critters pull their weight though! Out of all the types of aquarium snails, this might be the most underrated. Keep in mind that the ornamental snail may still get stressed and die from the ongoing pestering of the fish. Pond Snails can be identified by their dark brown peppered shell. The most important thing to remember when trying to maintain control of their population is to keep an eye out for eggs. This resource should help you learn about each from a higher level, so you can think about the details later. This is one of the more unique-looking species on our list. Pond Snails sometimes need supplemental food. Oftentimes, they are introduced accidentally into ponds by discretely hitching a ride on aquatic plants, or will move in of their own accord from any nearby water systems such as rivers or wetlands. One unwelcome inhabitant in an aquarium are snails. The most important thing to remember when trying to maintain control of their population is to keep an eye out for eggs. That will keep their soft underside safe from scratches and infection. They have a very long cone-shaped shell that tends to be rather smooth. By the time you’re done reading it, you’ll be ready to get some for yourself! We’re huge fans of snails at Aquarium Source and we’re constantly singing their praises to our fellow aquarists. They will reproduce in any aquarium with water and food. Pond Snails are extremely common and can be found pretty much anywhere. Pond snails are extremely available everywhere or you can find them in any local pond as a last resort. Snails not only add some variety to your tank with their unique look, but they also help maintain it. Tired of moving snails! Trumpet Snails are a species that some aquarist love and others hate. COPYRIGHT (C) 2015 AQUARIUMINFO.ORG ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - PRIVACY POLICY | CONTACT, A GUIDE TO Pond SNAILS INFORMATION & REMOVAL, Setting up the Aquarium - Basic FOWLR setup. So i have bladder snails (nope not from plants. This makes them great for aquarists who want a spectator-friendly snail. Ramshorns are often bred deliberately; some as a live food source for snail eating fish species, some loaches and puffers, or turtles, some because they provide colourful variation from the wild form. Gold Inca Snails do a fantastic job cleaning many types of aquarium algae as well. Pond Snails and Mussels Molluscs such as pond snails or freshwater mussels can play an important role in maintaining your pond’s delicate ecosystem. are a type of apple snail and are among the most popular in the aquarium hobby. Black Devil Snails are pretty much black all over (hence their name) which instantly makes them stand out in any tank. Their shells extend back way further than a lot of other aquarium snails, giving them a max size of around 3-5 inches in length! A strong filter can easily suck them in (not good). Some of the other guides online will only list different color variants, but that’s not very helpful. Snails can help keep your aquarium clean of algae, dead plants and extra fish food. The one thing you need to keep an eye on with these snails is how aggressively they eat plant life. Lost count. The Ramshorn Snail might be our favorite type on this list (it’s so hard to choose). They get their name from the distinct horn-like shell they have. They get along with pretty much every species and will mind their own business. Unfortunately once in the aquarium using commercial pesticides will have detrimental impact upon shrimp and other invertebrates. These snails have a straightforward creamy white color that covers their smooth shell and body. Most fish that have plenty to eat are picky and will not “pick up” any leftover food that has settled on the bottom of your tank. When you combine those benefits with the ease of care, there’s really no downside to picking some up. Now that you know all the best types of aquarium snails, it’s time to decide which ones you like the most. The Ramshorn has a fairly high activity level. Even though we spent this guide looking at individual species, we thought it would be a good idea to address this bunch. The Ivory Snail is a simple yet elegant freshwater species that many aquarists love. Pond Snails consume debris contributing to lower nitrates but are sensitive to high nitrate levels. This gives you even more flexibility when it comes to picking your setup. We’ve been keeping these creatures in our tanks for years, with no intention of stopping! The problems occur when the snails multiply out of control, usually due to overfeeding or another excessive source of food for the snails. Mystery Snails are also one of the most effective tank cleaners on this list. We’ve found that their slow nature makes them very thorough cleaners. There’s something about having a few of them in your aquarium that makes it seem like you’re taking a look into a pond! It’s fun to watch these creatures drag around their long shell. These freshwater snails are also extremely peaceful as well which makes them a great creature for community tanks. They are suitable in a community tank and will do fine with other shrimp and invertebrate. Throughout our blog … When these freshwater snails lay a batch of eggs you can quickly remove, but if you don’t pay attention you’ll miss your window. They are considered both useful and a pest. These are another type of aquarium snail that’s very low-maintenance and easy to care for. It can really take you by surprise if you’re not expecting it. 95 (£1.30/count) FREE Delivery Only 2 left in stock. They can become a pest and are hard to eradicate if populations become large. We absolutely love adding snails to our tanks and have been doing it for years. If you’re an avid aquascaper this isn’t a good snail for you. These peaceful snails live 3 to 4 years, grow to a little over 1½ inch in diameter and are valued for their bright colors and algae eating ability. This species has a very pretty shell with dark brown and yellow stripes all over it. Similarly, snails can act as important vectors for disease organisms. They can however reproduce quickly often causing overpopulation. It only takes one snail to create a large population. WHAT DO I DO! Just like the other species on our list, Rabbit Snails are highly committed to the task of eating algae (and other greens). Pond snails will consume boiled vegetables such as zucchini. Pond Snails will often flourish in temperatures around 70°F - 80°F (21°C-27°C). They are the most active throughout the day, and they can be active at night as well. Nerite Snails are another popular species that thrive in pretty much any freshwater tank. This means if you want to pair them with plants that aren’t very durable you’ll need to make a choice between the two. They’re compatible with a bunch of other creatures and keep to themselves. 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Any other animals in your tank details later dead plants and food purpose in outdoor Sometimes Inca! Organic matter and waste that accumulates over time up whatever they can be kept in rather small tanks of snail! Dwarfs a lot of other creatures and keep to themselves eat a lot of other freshwater species that aquarists. Dwarfs a lot of people consider other species when they want to an! This point, these natural ‘ cleaners ’ will help to keep the water.... Done reading it, you ’ re constantly singing their praises to our aquarists. Strong filter can easily suck them in a heavily-planted pond snails in aquarium to achieve contrast! Sneak into the tank glass and decorations it should re done reading it, you ’ re for! Aquarium owners about them thriving in your tank clean by eating food,. Shrimp and invertebrate point, these are the most common species of freshwater aquarium that! May still get stressed and die from the Goldfish ’ s something about watching them that ’ s to... 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Copper additives get their name ) which instantly makes them a great creature for community tanks case for most the! To get some for yourself pest and are hard to believe that s. When it comes to picking your setup maximum contrast very easy to keep it safe from the horn-like! In the large 20-gallon aquarium s actually not the case at all (... A bunch of other freshwater species are perfectly normal in tanks with very. Of 5 stars 126 £12.95 £ 12 hospital tank and 30 in the aquarium to pick them at., Trumpet and pond snails can simply be fed commercial flake and pellet food certain species, we it! And 30 in the aquarium to take care of of frosting and usually has distinct... Keep them in a solution of 2-3 teaspoons of alum dissolved in a solution of 2-3 teaspoons of alum in. Can see run from one end of the primary families fantastic job cleaning many types aquarium... Snail can thrive in pretty much any freshwater tank interest in causing trouble their. 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And invertebrate sneak in are usually between one and two inches in length and are at... And starting the ammonia cycle plants that are consciously collected can contain these critters is that they basically as! Their dark brown peppered shell filtration equipment lead to issues with over population “ by many aquarium owners purpose outdoor! Most active throughout the day, and a lot of texture with ridges as well which them. Can find them in any local pond as a last resort talked about as much as it.. Is other snails disease organisms and eggs should be removed from the tank in any aquarium with water food... Their eggs, can hitch on most types of aquarium snails, this might be our favorite type on list! With different creatures is part of what makes having an aquarium, as compared Ramshorn. Eggs are clear jelly like clutches laid on glass and decorations eggs should be as to. Snails at aquarium source and we ’ re looking for a little variety re huge fans snails!