TFH recomends loaches for snail control

mpeterb · Post by **mpeterb** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 12:19 pm

In the July issue of Tropical Fish Hobbyist, under the question "Reducing Ramshorns", in a Q&A, page 18, they recomend some botias for snail control. They point out that clowns get to 11", but that a yo-yo or skunk loach stays reasonably small for this purpose. No mention is made of aggression, current, specific diet or keeping them in groups.

I've already written a polite e-mail, pointing out some of the pitfalls that this advice can lead to, and suggesting a look at this site, but I think it'd do better if there was more than one letter, and I'm sure some of the people here can also do a better job of it then I can.

I try to help out at chain stores when I hear this sort of thing, but often no one is particularly thankfull for this kind of information - kids earning minimum wage can do with out strangers complicating their day, and casual fish keepers just don't want to know this much. Still I try, but it's only a case by case attempt. I think TFH can do a lot of good by loaches in a broad stroke if they are made aware of the chance. I'm sure this site's populace can help them do it.

Emma Turner · Post by **Emma Turner** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 12:23 pm

This snail issue & loach recommendation really has become quite a problem recently and one that irritates me immensely. I am surprised at TFH.

Laura & Shari - if you're reading this, what's the status with the LOL snail article?

Emma

Laura · Post by **Laura** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 12:44 pm

After much procrastination on my part, it's pretty much ready. Shari's been very patient with me and extremely helpful.

I understand it will be posted shortly - I think it gets posted in a draft form first for us to take a look at.

Emma Turner · Post by **Emma Turner** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 1:07 pm

Excellent.

Munkee · Post by **Munkee** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 5:43 pm

I have to agree with Emma, I get so irked when people advocate loaches for snail control. I always tell them to find the root of the snail problem and treat that, and not add more fish.

All too often loaches are purchased for this purpose and quickly outgrow the tank, and are not cared for properly.

Martin Thoene · Post by **Martin Thoene** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 6:47 pm

Seeing as TFH own the rights to the defnitive Loach book this is a bit of a dissapointment. Obviously, their researcher for this comment was not looking in-house of severely misinterpreting certain facts.

Martin.

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:23 pm

This has always been my pet peeve. After the snails are done, what happens next to the fish they bought for this purpose? I ask people a lot of times this question. Some have been suggesting skunk loaches. These loaches can make your community tank very miserable unless the tankmates happen to be the ones that can stand up against their aggressive nature.

Mike Ophir · Post by **Mike Ophir** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:50 pm

Wow, yes very dissapointing indeed. I am writing an article for them right now, do you guys think I should bring this point up? (The article is about Y. caudipunctata).

Mike

newshound · Post by **newshound** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 8:52 pm

god yes
it makes me think of the supersuckers song "pretty f*@)5d up"

Diana · Post by **Diana** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:33 pm

Similar to selling a common Pleco for someone with a 20 gallon with algae.

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:00 pm

Similar to selling a common Pleco for someone with a 20 gallon with algae

or RTC or Pacu or Clown Knife to anyone.....

Munkee · Post by **Munkee** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 9:06 am

Tinman wrote:
Similar to selling a common Pleco for someone with a 20 gallon with algae
or RTC or Pacu or Clown Knife to anyone.....

When I first started out in the hobby, I was told at my LFS that a clownknife would fit in my 29G along with a green terror.

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TFH recomends loaches for snail control

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