Vermetid Snails Control

[Hallowhead]

Howdy,

So I know it's very cumbersome to get rid of these snails - no easy way. I don't mind them so as long as they're not bothering my corals. My caulastrea coral has them growing up the stony structure and these are ones I am concerned about - how can I remove these to avoid irritating the coral? I have just been snapping the stalks off but does that do anything? Is it a bad idea to take coral out of the water and take a file to the surface and sand them off?? Other locations I just snap the stalk off once a week or 2 weeks.

 

[PSU4ME]

Superglue them shut?

 

[Hallowhead]

Superglue them shut?

so can you recommend an apparatus to get this done? Like reaching other locations deeper into the tank? don't just want to take a tube into the tank - I guess on a toothpick or something?

 

[Zach W]

I have them too, I’ve been taking a pair of strong tweezers and smashing as many as I can. If it’s feasible to remove your rock and glue/smash them it’s easier then in tank. Just breaking the tube doesn’t do it. You've gotta expose the actual snail inside the base

 

[Hallowhead]

I have them too, I’ve been taking a pair of strong tweezers and smashing as many as I can. If it’s feasible to remove your rock and glue/smash them it’s easier then in tank. Just breaking the tube doesn’t do it. You've gotta expose the actual snail inside the base

I am always nervous about taking live rock out of a tank - as I have heard it isn't good... I need to find a sharp metal item I can stab them with. I've never exposed one to see what they look like... To be honest, I think everyone has these dang snails.

 

[w2inc]

I have a blue light laser called the Gatling. I think it is 3 watts but looking around now it looks like you can get 10 watts as well. They run between $40 and $200. If I can see the base of the snail I can burn him through the glass. Once the laser is focused on them you can heat them crackle. I have never accidentally damaged fish with it and as long as I am wearing safety glasses I am really not worried about hurting myself. However, anyone in the room should have eye protection as well. That said, I have plenty of snails that I cant get to with the laser.

I had a recent surge of them after removing a green wrasse, a couple tangs, several emerald crabs and an pin cushion urchin. I believe something was eating them and my vote is the wrasse.

For what it is worth, I don't hesitate to take my live rock out of the tank as long as I am sure I can get it back where it came from. A butter knife works great for scraping them off and super glue is a sure fire as well. The only time I have a rock concern is if there is excessive sponge growth on the bottom of them. Most sponges cant handle exposure to air.