Snail eggs hatched, my tank is infested

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by Greg9MM, Mar 31, 2012.

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  1. Greg9MM

    Greg9MM Skunk Shrimp

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    I noticed snail eggs on a few spots on the glass about 2 weeks ago. Then about a week ago I notice some small snails on the sides and back of the glass (maybe 20). I just came home from work and the light was off and I saw hundreds on the glass. I put the light on and the rocks were covered. There are literally thousands, they are EVERYWHERE. Average size is about the size of a BB. I am going to try to take some pictures.

    I believe they are zebra astrea snails. I know I will have to get rid of almost all of them when they get bigger but does anyone think I will have any problems in the meantime?
     
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  3. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    Well this is interesting. I have never heard of this happening in saltwater, but I'm still kind of new at this as well. I don't know why you would have any issues in the mean time. Do you have any pics?
     
  4. Greg9MM

    Greg9MM Skunk Shrimp

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    I have had a saltwater tank for close to ten years and have had snail eggs on several occasions but never had them hatch or anywhere near this many.

    And right now I have no pictures but tomorrow I will take a few and post them.
     
  5. Renee@LionfishLair

    Renee@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

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  6. SushiGirl

    SushiGirl Barracuda

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    If not, congrats! LOL

    Just like anything in the tank, any population of critters will self-adjust according to available food sources. If there's not enough food for them, you won't end up with thousands of giant snails.
     
  7. Greg9MM

    Greg9MM Skunk Shrimp

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    I am pretty confident now that they are in fact collonista snails. Especially since I didnt see them until I looked last night after the lights were off for a while. Some look different and I have about 6 or 8 different species of snail in the tank so I guess only time will tell if there are any other kinds. I am going to take pictures tonight when I come home and I i will post them. I just cant get of the sheer number of them. I have about 150lbs of live rock and egg crate under so they have more than enough space to hide but its still crazy. lol
     
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  9. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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  10. Greg9MM

    Greg9MM Skunk Shrimp

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    I hate spam. I might just start making posts to talk about how horrible that site is. I'll fix em. lol
     
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  11. SushiGirl

    SushiGirl Barracuda

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    You know, I don't know a single board of any hobby/kind that allows spam posts. I'll never understand how people think it's ok.
     
  12. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    wow, that was quick. lol.