How to rid freshwater tank of snail infestation?

No doubt you have a clown loach. They are good snail eaters, but often the snails will multiply faster than the loach can eat them.

There are several treatments available on the market, but I wouldn't suggest you use any of them. Most are rather tough on your fish and especially tough on your plants.

I would suggest you use a more natural approach. Use a small plastic container with a snap top lid. Poke several holes all around the container that are big enough for the snails but too small for the fish in your tank. Add a piece of lettuce and a handful of gravel from your tank. Place this in the tank over night. In the morning you can remove the container and you will be amazed how many snails you will remove. Do this several times in a row and you will really cut down the numbers in the tank. Then just do it once a week or so to keep them under control.

MM

Dwarf Puffers are molluscivores just like many of their relatives and should have snails in their diet. Not only are they a natural food for the puffers, but they also help them practice their hunting skills. Most snails are too large for them to "crunch" in the manner that other puffers do, but they will definitely take on a snail of any size. Regular pond snails are best because they have thinner shells and they are easier for the puffs to get to. As far as Dwarf Puffers needing snails in their diet to "wear down" their teeth, it has been agreed upon by most in the forum that they are not necessary for this. Dwarf Puffers seem to have no problems at all with overgrown teeth (unlike almost all other puffer species).

As for feeding the snails to them, all you have to do is drop them in the tank.... the puffers will hunt them on their own (quite fun to watch). They stick their head into the shell and start thrashing around. It looks like a dog with its head stuck in a cardboard box!

Make sure to give them snails every now and then as a treat. Your local fish store will usually give snails to you for free, or you can raise your own. Two great articles on raising snails for puffers can be found here and here.

put a slice of cucumber on the bottom of the aquarium, leave it there overnight. In the morning there should be a whole heap of snails on it, for they love cucumbers. Pull it out and throw it away. This wont totally rid your tank, but it will surely put a dent in it. Repeat process as needed.

clown loach