Apple Snails

[andy5268]

I have a tank of cichlids and a lazy black shark that seems to have algea off of his menu. i add algea killing treatments to keep it down now was thinking about getting an apple snail.

1. would my cichlids leave it alone? most are mellow but some are pretty big (6" sevrum).

2. Would a snail help control algea or with the treatment would there be enough in there for him to consume?

Thanks!

[aquariumfishguy]

1. I would think so but noone can be for sure. I recommend at least trying this out...

2. Yes they can moderately control algae but also have tendency to like plants too...although not as much as some other snails. IMO these are good snails if snails are what you like. ;)

[beviking]

Try searching the forums (search button upper right corner) for snails, there are different Apple Snails species and some are more/less prone to eating plants.

[Tim Bo]

IME most of them eat some types of algae.
Take a look at this great site to learn lots about apple snails:
http://www.applesnail.net/content/care.php

[Dahlia]

You may also want to consider olive nerites. They are also called trapdoor snails. They ignore anything in the tank but algae and they are harder for other fish to kill because their shells are sturdier and their bodies do not protrude from it much.

I believe this snail is an olive nerite but cannot tell for sure since they do not list the scientific name. If you cannot find them locally you could try them from this website. (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=21&pCatId=1076)