If I have a fully stocked tank could I add one snail? I have two ottos, but they seem to only be interested in certain type of algea. I was wondering if there was a snail that eats all types of algea that wouldn't increase my bio load much. And I only want one not millions.
Depends on the snail. But generally they don't add too much to the bioload. A full sized apple snail might though, plsu they eat plants. Something like pond snails or common rams horn snails (generally considered pests, though I like them) are small enough not to be a worry. I don't know how well mystery snails eat algae but they get to be a nice size and don't eat plants.
If I have a fully stocked tank could I add one snail? I have two ottos, but they seem to only be interested in certain type of algea. I was wondering if there was a snail that eats all types of algea that wouldn't increase my bio load much. And I only want one not millions.
I have a couple apple snails in my 10g tank. ( I think they are apple anyhow... about 1.5 inches diameter) Their ability to eat up all algae and every scrap of wasted food outweighs the seemingly tiny amount of bio-load they produce. Also, they don't reproduce asexually like the tiny snails. The apples need a male and female...so they aren't nearly as prolific.
I got some pond snails for free with my live plants. They seem to do a great job keeping the plants nice and clean. I also get the added benifit of rarely ever having to scrape algae off the glass. I control their populations pretty much by making sure food rarely gets into the gravel and keeping up with tank maintanance. The only downside is once you get one, they are impossible to eradicate unless you completely tear the tank down and sanitize everything that was in contact with the tank including the filter and all the biomedia. I've never had any apple snails so I can't speak for those.
Get a pomecea brigessi (mystery snail)...Wont eat plants and sucks up algae like crazy...Go to a reputable LFS or order from a breeder...The "mystery snail" is often mis-identified and you may end up with a Cana- I love them but they will mow down a planted tank in no time...They do contribute to the bioload, but a regular weekly cleaning will take care of that.
