Planted vs Nonplanted

[washefuzzy]

I have a severe  case of pond snails in my 20gal. I'm about to give up on plants but I have been led to believe that to have the biological process working properly in the tank plants are essential.(and pretty) Something to do with nitrites??
So how does a tank survive without plants as in the instance of a cichilid tank with rocks.
My 20 gal is a community tank and it seems my pond snails have become a fixed member of that community.

[babblefish1960]

Apples and oranges I'm afraid, you are talking about the difference in hardness of the water, and of course the pH, and to most extents, even the temperature.

Even in a tank of no plants, and just rocks or plastic or whatever, you still have the surfaces upon which the beneficial bacteria are present, as well as infusoria. However, you also have a microphytus or single celled plant always present, algae, and like it or not, there is no such thing as water without algae if fish ca live in there.

It just requires different maintenance, as it is more barren shall we say, of the supporting life forms that help to alleviate any stress in the tank and slow down any large swings in any of the parameters.

It is really a matter of personal taste and what mechanicals you wish to employ to make regular maintenance easier.

I personally enjoy invertebrates such as snails doing some of my work for me, and converting waste products into usable material for the uptake by plants and bacters.

[fischkopp]

I have a severe  case of pond snails in my 20gal. I'm about to give up on plants but I have been led to believe that to have the biological process working properly in the tank plants are essential.(and pretty)

You are right, I also like green and red more than grey and brown. Thats a personal taste. But you should resign from planted tanks because of snails. They are just part of you eco-system and helpful in cleaning your tank. If their population grows faster than you can take them out, then try kuli loaches. These little guys helped me not by eating the pond snails but their eggs, and they should do fine in a 20gal.

[Nyx]

I use Kuhli loaches in my planted tank as well. They are small enough that don't bother my Endler fry but they keep the snail population under control. We have also noticed that we have one type of snail that is nocturnal and when they are too much of a problem, my hubby picks them off the front glass a couple of hours after the tank lights go out.

[washefuzzy]

Babble I don't mind the snails except my plants look very rough. The ones I have left.
Thanks Nyxx and Fishkopp would Kuhli loaches bother my large snail?

[fischkopp]

Thanks Nyxx and Fishkopp would Kuhli loaches bother my large snail?

Nope, their mouth is to small to be a threat. I have only watched them marauding the spawn of snails and fish. They might go for tine snails too, but haven't seen them doing it.

[washefuzzy]

Was worried about the large snails tentacles.

[washefuzzy]

Can  kuhli loachs handle temperatures at 72F because that is what I keep my tank at.

[Laura]

When my mom kept ghost shrimp, she saw them eating snail eggs too.  They're a cheap, fun (well I think so anyways ), low-bioload option to try.

[rmicroys]

All the live bearer fry seem to survive "okay" in my tank with the clown loaches.  I leave all my fish to their own devices for survival - the Platy and Swords seem to be very prolific and successful.  The Angels on the other hand, not so much.  They never can seem to protect their eggs from their own appetite long enough.

[Mettle]

Another easy way to keep snails under control is by using a slice of cucumber or zucchini weighted with something to keep it at the bottom. Place this in the tank at night after lights out. The next day, before the lights come back on, take out said piece of veggie. It will likely be covered in snails. Then simply toss it out. (I used to throw mine in the compost.) This is an easy way of controlling that snail population without adding more fish to the bioload. As well, if the fish you have nibble on the cuc or zucchini at all it's fine - it makes for a good treat!

As for your plants looking 'rough'... maybe they're not getting the proper amount of light or nutrients that they need to grow properly and maintain the strength they need in their branches and leaves?

[dan2x38]

Wazhefuzzy remember clown loaches get quite large. Yoyos are smaller...

[washefuzzy]

Wazhefuzzy remember clown loaches get quite large. Yoyos are smaller...

I was thinking Kohli loach.

[washefuzzy]

Mettle it worked great using lettuce!

[dan2x38]

I couldn't see having a tank without plants.... I am even starting to pull tank decorations now... want a more natural look...

[washefuzzy]

But Dan my plants don't make a pretty sight. Maybe there is more to my plants looking ratty than the snails. Maybe my plants don't like the water conditions. There is lots of aeration.
I have a 50 AquaClear in a 20gal and a big bubble thing.

[dan2x38]

That might be a lack of Iron (Fe) ask Charlie or BD they are acouple of the plant gurus... healthy lush plants do make a FW tank...