Snails??

The first question that needs answered is why do you want snails in the first place?

If you have live plants then you will want a species that does not eat plants. In my planted 55 gal. tank I have plenty of MTS (Malaysian Trumpet Snails) and common pond snails. They do an excellent job of clean up in regards to any uneaten food (rare) and dead plant material. MTS snails usually come out at night much more and live in your substrate during the day.

You will constantly see threads asking about snail population explosions and how to get rid of the dreaded snails. The only thing that allows snails to rapidly multipy is over-feeding. Control the amount you feed and you automatically control the snail popupation.

In my experience I feel the snails I have in my tank are a benefit and I'd never have a planted tank without them. Once I slowed down my feeding regimen to once a day and small amounts the numbers of snails dropped as well.

Do a search on snails and you will most likely find the answers you are looking for. That's what I did and I learned much.

wbaker01 said:

We tried Ghost Shrimp in our tank until one died and another one vanished into thin air, I've been kicking around the idea of a snail. Are there any big pros or cons to having one and if the cons aren't too major, what is the best kind? We've currently got a 10 gallon tank with bleeding heart tetras and bronze corys..

Thanks,
Bill

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Neritina Natalensis (Zebra Snail) is a great choice. One in a 10 gallon tank will do a wonderful job of keeping the tank clean of all kinds of algae. They don't reproduce in freshwater, don't eat plants, and don't get too big. Plus even snail eating fish have trouble getting at them due to the shape of their shell and their amazing grip on the glass. I always get comments on how clean my tank is...the glass is completely clean due to the snails.

Thanks...I just learned something new. Sounds like an excellent choice for clean-up duties.

I love my nerite snails, too! They are great workers and fun to watch. Even though they are difficult to breed in freshwater, they will lay eggs just so you know. I also have MTS and red ramshorn, both very neat. Have fun choosing some snails!

thesydmonster said:

I love my nerite snails, too! They are great workers and fun to watch. Even though they are difficult to breed in freshwater, they will lay eggs just so you know. I also have MTS and red ramshorn, both very neat. Have fun choosing some snails!

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What do the eggs look like?