Freshwater Limpet infestation.

[George2]

Hi,

  I have a 16 gallon freshwater aquarium that is infested with freshwater limpets. What is the best way to eradicate them? When I search online for advice, people say to physically remove them. I have been doing that for a couple months, yet the limpet population seems to be increasing! Because they are so small, there is no way I'll ever be able to find all of them hiding among my plants.

My last resort is to dismantle my aquarium and start over, but I really don't want to do that unless I have no other options.  :(


Thanks!
George

[Stussi613]

hmm, I wonder if a Kuhli Loach would take care of them...I know they are snail eating machines.

What else do you have in the tank?

[George2]

hmm, I wonder if a Kuhli Loach would take care of them...I know they are snail eating machines.

What else do you have in the tank?

I have some Amano Shrimp, Zebra Nerite snails, Ember Tetras, and Pencilfish.  I also have a number of plants, but I don't know what they're called. Right now my aquarium is near capacity so I'm hoping to avoid adding anymore fish to it.

[missavgp]

I had some in my 25g tank, but the couple assassin snails I got cleared the problem up pretty quickly.

[bergenm]

+1 for assassins...

[George2]

Thanks! I'm going to give assassin snails a try. Hopefully they get rid of my limpet problem.  :)

[exv152]

I would try baby assassins, I've read the adult assassins won't eat them because the limpets are too small, and the shells too hard.

[George2]

I picked up some "No-Planaria" at Critter Jungle and gave it a try. It completely eradicated all of my limpets and my tank is now limpet free!  :)  I found out the hard way that it is good at getting rid of snails as well.    It did not affect my Amano shrimp but my Nerite snails died after about 2-3 days.