People seem to be divided about these snails. Some see them as pests, some as valuable companions of their tanks. Usually old-school aquarists, plant-breeders and veterans are pro-MTS. New school prefers squeaky clean tanks with no snails or only Nerites.
Me? I'm on the fence. I have only few of Danube Nerites in the main tank. Currently I keep MTS in a bowl of water with a bit of substrate. I love these snails. I love their looks and how the bury in the sand. They are fun to watch and are also good cleaners. They eat a single food pellet in no time and they don't touch plants. They also somewhat change the colors of their shells depending on the substrate, which is fun.
BUT, having them multiply like crazy does sound terrifying. It's not just their prolific multiplication, but claims of certain people to be unable to control them at all, tearing up the tanks etc. I find that dubious. First of all, I wouldn't want to eradicate them, but to control their numbers. I see no reason to destroy them completely. I think that's a false logic. This snail is beneficial after all and never eats plants.
However, have you been able to control them with baits? My plan is to use the baits from time to time to reduce their numbers. I'd like to hear the stories of people that had them over the years in planted tanks. Thanks!
Me? I'm on the fence. I have only few of Danube Nerites in the main tank. Currently I keep MTS in a bowl of water with a bit of substrate. I love these snails. I love their looks and how the bury in the sand. They are fun to watch and are also good cleaners. They eat a single food pellet in no time and they don't touch plants. They also somewhat change the colors of their shells depending on the substrate, which is fun.
BUT, having them multiply like crazy does sound terrifying. It's not just their prolific multiplication, but claims of certain people to be unable to control them at all, tearing up the tanks etc. I find that dubious. First of all, I wouldn't want to eradicate them, but to control their numbers. I see no reason to destroy them completely. I think that's a false logic. This snail is beneficial after all and never eats plants.
However, have you been able to control them with baits? My plan is to use the baits from time to time to reduce their numbers. I'd like to hear the stories of people that had them over the years in planted tanks. Thanks!