Mysterious Invader In Tank !! HELP !!

[redguppy50]

Hi,

I saw this (pictures below) photo 1.jpgphoto 2.jpg clinging to my aquarium wall when I got back home tonight. Looks like a small snail to me but not sure (it made a stone like noise when I dropped it in my sink, so it is definitely not a coiled up worm but something with a shell). I recently got some plants (and shrimp) from someone on the forum. Is it possible that the plants have snail eggs and they are hatching now. I have never had snails in my tank so I am a bit worried. Is there a way to prevent a full blown infestation at this time. I have dwarf shrimp in the tank so cannot use anything harmful to them.

Regards,
RG

[allysangels]

plants frequently harbor critters of all types. no need to worry. most snails are harmless to your tank and easy to control. either remove them as you see them, or pick up a few assassin snails.

[allysangels]

<-- Petco Lady =)

[redguppy50]

Thanks a lot for your advice. I am sure you are not the same petco lady though :-). It was funny because she said it so confidently. I would never reveal her name though.

[Totenkampf]

looks like pond snails. it takes them a while to get big enough for assassins to take down and i am not possitive that they dont breed before this time. these are the biggest pain to get rid off in my opinion. unless you can borrow a couple pea puffers then traps are the best bet.

[allysangels]

when I took over my aquatics dept, it was infested with pond snails. I added 4 assassins to each 15g tank, now no more pond snails. (except for the ones in the sump)

[barberking12]

just take out all the deco and water vac the snails you see . thats all i do

[mistahoo]

just take out all the deco and water vac the snails you see . thats all i do

They could be hiding in the substrate, in your filters, or hiding in the decor. I would just pick them out or set up traps (bottle with vegetable or a tubberware with vegetables). It's less of a hassle then water vaccing them out for me because I use those water changer adapters and they get clogged easily if something like a snail were to make it through.