Snails- a good idea?

[jloventh]

I recently added 10 turbo snails to one of my tanks. The LFS told me they would be great at eating the algae in my tank and keeping things clean. This seems to be very true. However it seems that the assimilation of Nitrates has slowed down quite a bit. I read up on the "nitrification process" and I understand there are only two ways to get the nitrates out of the water 1) water changes 2) the algae "uses the nitrates". If this is true it seems that snails WILL give me a clean tank...but I will probably have to change the water more often.....does anyone know if this is correct ?:)

[OrionGirl]

Yes and no. Algaes will help process nitrates, but it's not the only method, and most people prefer to add macro algaes instead of having hair or spot algaes. A variety of snails is good, since some snails eat algae, while others will clean up uneaten foods. This uneaten food contributes significantly, by decaying. Snails turn this type of waste into more snail, rather than adding it into the nitrogen cycle.

A DSB and live rock will also help process nitrates, bacterially.

[jloventh]

can you give me an example of a macro algae that I can add to my tank.

[MonoSebaelover]

All species of Caulerpa are commonly sold as macro Algae so that is a start. The more it grows and once you prune it removes nitrate from the tank. Anyway, hope this helps.

[liquafaction]

I recently added 4 different types of macroalgae to my tank. In my opinon, they really add to the tank, having the green against the purple and burgandy coraline algae. My hermits love to nibble on it, and with around 80 hermits in a tank, I fear that they can destroy a whole crop. At the moment, the algae seems to keep up with what the hermits take. The algae also gives a great hiding place to a damsel I have.

[Marvin]

Can someone tell me what macroalgae is exactly and what does it look like?

[Kurt]

I only ever added one type of Macro to my tank and since my tang died , seems the macros have really took off. I now have 8 different ones all seemed to appear close to the same time. YOu ask what macros are they are more plant like than the slimy hairly ugly micros that one can also get. The macros generally send out runners and have stems and leaves along the runners.
My macros have light green balls, mushroom shape leaves, upside down cup leaves, feather looking leaves, spiral razor leaves, and also straight razor leaves. And also that halimeda stuff.

[Marvin]

is there a place where is can see pics of these macro algaes?

[Gealcath]

When you see underwater pictures and stuff, those long flowing plants you see on the bottom are Macro Algae.

[jloventh]

My LFS told me about an side tank that you grow the macro algae in. The water flows in and out and the algae reduces your nitrates.."naturally'. They said if I introduce the plant directly into the tank, there is a good chance it will get eaten by the fish. Also they made it seems like the plants can really take over your tank anyway....any response ?