May 15: Snails

Tonight, for the first time in over two years, we had snails. Nope, not the kind you would saute with a little butter and serve as an appetizer. Rather, the kind that wind up living inside your fish tank. In the 2+ years we've had the tank, not once has this problem arisen. However, a few weeks back we got a few new fish from PetSmart, and without knowing any better I just dumped them into our tank, water and all, directly from the bag they came home in. We're thinking that's where the problem began. Anyway, after some research, I've learned there are both pros and cons to snails in your fish tank. Unfortunately, for me the unsightly view of these creatures attached to the sides of the glass just makes me feel like I need a shower for some reason. Which begs the question, does it make the fish feel the same way? Discuss amongst yourselves. I've read the easiest way to rid the tank of these "visitors" is to use certain chemicals that kill the snails. But, there is also the risk of killing your fish at the same time. So, that option isn't really an option now is it? Instead, we're going to Plan B: next weekend, since this one is packed full of events already, we're going to pull out the fish, drain the tank, clear out all the gravel, scrub the tank down and refill with all new rocks and plants. It's been on our To Do list for a while anyway, so what better time than now? Of course, when my wife's not looking I may try to confiscate a few of those little buggers from the rocks and hide them in the fridge. The thought of a little escargot one evening gets the taste buds dancing a bit.