Okay, I have a 10 gallon tropical tank that right now just has a betta and a platie. I'm going to add more fish, but something weird has come up.

Last year because of a live plant I added to the tank, it became absolutely infested with those cone-shaped Madagascar snails. They multiplied like rats!! Every morning when I would turn the light on, there were double what had been there before. I took the live plant out and tossed it, but too late, of course.

Not wanting to use harsh chemicals in the tank, I broke the whole tank down. I changed the gravel, used new artificial plants, new decorations and scrubbed out the filter and put new media in it. Absolutely no snails ever again, and thats been over 6 months ago.

Now, this morning, I turned the light on the tank and there were 4 of those dirty little critters on the glass!! Very tiny ones, but still there! So where did they come from??!! I've introduced no plants, no new fish, no different food...nothing. I just don't get it.

You'll NEVER be rid of those darn things!! I did the same thing, and I think some ended up hiding out inside my filter impeller. That was the ONE place I didn't check! Even letting everything dry out for a day or two won't completely guarantee it. The snails have a heavy operculum that they can seal in moisture with (like garden snails).

The snails live down in your substrate so people may have them and never even know it. They usually only come out at night. The snaisl are livebearers, so you can try removing the ones you saw. You may want to break down and sterilize the tank again, maybe with a bleach or PP solution.

Good luck! I know how frustrating they are.