Hydra removal in planted tank.

pH is 6.6 today, it was 6.8 last week. I switched to RO water remineralized with equalibrium 2 weeks ago and was doing twice a week water changes until this week which I cut back to once a week as I figured I'm probably mostly RO water now. My tap water fluctuates pH like crazy and my plants were yellowing (I can only assume from lack of minerals/nutrients). I have fluval stratum for substrate so it buffers my water down.

Ammonia -0 ppm
Nitrite- 0ppm
Nitrate- 5ppm

This is a 7.5 gallon cube with an aqueon quiet flow 10 and sponge filter. It was started 8/13/2021 and I added 3 nerites and a banana plant 1.5 weeks ago. I'm assuming the hydra came from the banana plant as I didn't dip it and all the other plants I have were cultures aside from Java moss (which could also be the culprit but it just showed up and the Java moss has been there since I started the tank). I have an overabundance of algae so I haven't been feeding the snails because I was under the assumption that the main diet of nerites is algae and wanted them to settle a bit first.

I've read various ways to rid the tanks of hydra but unsure of the best route. I could add fish but the fish I could add that would eat them is kinda of limited since it's only 7.5 gallon and I was planning on shrimp. Shrimp are on hold now until the hydra are taken care of. I've read about a product called planaria zero is great but is dangerous to snails - I have 3 nerites. I've also read that ramshorn or bladder snails are decent at eating them. I've also read that rinsing/soaking the entire tank decor, plants and substrate in super hot water will do the trick. That's not totally viable because it would remove a great deal of the algae the nerites need and the substrate would fall apart (fluval stratum). I'm thinking ramshorn is my best bet but would like some one with more experience to weigh in.




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If it were my tank, I'd probably pull the snail and dose fenbendazole. Hydra are tough to remove any other way in my experience

 

If it were my tank, I'd probably pull the snail and dose fenbendazole. Hydra are tough to remove any other way in my experience

Problem with that is I don't have another tank for them. I could go an pick up a cheap small one but it wouldn't be cycled. It seemed when reading/researching that it was a great option, except for my snails. I'd be worried about putting them back in once I kill the hydra as I've read it stays in the tank for a long time even with using activated carbon. I've definitely learned my lesson about dipping plants as I've been so super patient about waiting to get shrimp and now I'm going to have to wait until these little jerk hydra are gone.

 

I've heard you can try a "light trap" that might work. I've never done it myself as I've used No-Planaria and moved my nerites to another tank. This website has more info on how to the the light treatment as well as other things, but you'd have to remove the snails for the others. Hydra in a Shrimp Tank. Treatment. - Shrimp and Snail Breeder

 

I've heard you can try a "light trap" that might work. I've never done it myself as I've used No-Planaria and moved my nerites to another tank. This website has more info on how to the the light treatment as well as other things, but you'd have to remove the snails for the others. Hydra in a Shrimp Tank. Treatment. - Shrimp and Snail Breeder

It's an interesting idea but unfortunately wouldn't work for me. The light trap will reduce numbers of the hydra but won't eliminate them from the tank. Since I want shrimp in the future I need them eliminated. I'm coming to the conclusion I need another tank for the snails. I could probably do a quick cycle with some of the media from the established tank then add them to the new tank once established. Unfortunately that means leaving the hydra alone for now and once the snails are removed to dose with fenbendazole. Wait 30 days (I read somewhere half life was 30-60days so with multiple larges water changes and activated carbon I figure 30 days is safe) then add my shrimp back.

 

It's an interesting idea but unfortunately wouldn't work for me. The light trap will reduce numbers of the hydra but won't eliminate them from the tank. Since I want shrimp in the future I need them eliminated. I'm coming to the conclusion I need another tank for the snails. I could probably do a quick cycle with some of the media from the established tank then add them to the new tank once established. Unfortunately that means leaving the hydra alone for now and once the snails are removed to dose with fenbendazole. Wait 30 days (I read somewhere half life was 30-60days so with multiple larges water changes and activated carbon I figure 30 days is safe) then add my shrimp back.

You can also try the heat method if you're willing to scoop your snails (and possibly your plants) into a container for a few hours. That's up to you though, and I'm not sure how effective that method is either. I hope it all works out for you in the end though! Hyrda are pesky things when inverts are involved!

 

i used dog de-wormer a few months back.

I removed as many snails as i could, but had too many baby ramshorns to get them all. I did not find any dead snails

the de-wormer is shrimp safe btw

you can just use any plastic tub with dechlorinated water. the snails should be fine.

 

i used dog de-wormer a few months back.

I removed as many snails as i could, but had too many baby ramshorns to get them all. I did not find any dead snails

the de-wormer is shrimp safe btw

you can just use any plastic tub with dechlorinated water. the snails should be fine.

I've read many cautions when using dewormer when it comes to nerites and mystery snails. I've read the snails considered pest snails are usually fine. I wanted another tank anyways. I actually managed to get a pretty decent setup from Petco. I got a 10 gallon for $9.99, an aqueon shrimp filter 20 for $11.21, and a glass versa top for $12.49. I also picked up a bad of activ flora from pet supermarket but that wasn't on sale. It was $24.99 for a 16lb bag. I capped it with 10lbs of aqueon shrimp substrate I had and pilfered a grow light from my girlfriends house plant setup. I probably could've done with such deep substrate but I want to eventually plant it. Also threw in some lava rock and Malaysian drift wood I had. Activ flora is supposed to have BB and I threw in a bottle of tetra safe start. Fed the tank a pinch of fish flakes. Fingers crossed for a quick cycle. I'll pop my nerites in soon and then rid the 7.5 gallon of hydra. I'll probably switch the nerites back forth between the tanks in the long run.