shrimp or snails
- Thread starter dalton
- Start date
Which is best depends on what you want. Snails will do a better job of cleaning your glass... shrimp won't do that. Shrimp young are also more likely to be eaten than young snails. (both will likely breed for you).
I think ghost shrimp have interesting antics and are more fascinating to watch- but snails can-be prettier... my dark striped-purple brig adds majesty to the community tank. I've got rams, bladders, MTS and Quilted Mels in there too... they don't have the same beauty but they're performing a job for me and some of the Rams are nicely coloured. If you want access to 24-7 invert pron- nothing beats having bladders they're constantly doing the snail-tango.
I have RCS now and they don't seem as active- but they're still young and adapting to a new aquarium (it took my ghosts two weeks to become active and leave their hidey-holes- I expect the same from my cherries) so I'm passing up judgement on their personalities for now... they are absolutely adorable though. There are few things cuter than Red Cherry Shrimp.
It really all depends on what you want. You can keep either with Neons. Seriously there is no correct answer to "which is best?" Different inverts have different traits.
Just don't get a macro shrimp and you'll be fine!
You can always add both shrimp and snails- shrimp barely effect the bioload.
I think ghost shrimp have interesting antics and are more fascinating to watch- but snails can-be prettier... my dark striped-purple brig adds majesty to the community tank. I've got rams, bladders, MTS and Quilted Mels in there too... they don't have the same beauty but they're performing a job for me and some of the Rams are nicely coloured. If you want access to 24-7 invert pron- nothing beats having bladders they're constantly doing the snail-tango.
I have RCS now and they don't seem as active- but they're still young and adapting to a new aquarium (it took my ghosts two weeks to become active and leave their hidey-holes- I expect the same from my cherries) so I'm passing up judgement on their personalities for now... they are absolutely adorable though. There are few things cuter than Red Cherry Shrimp.
It really all depends on what you want. You can keep either with Neons. Seriously there is no correct answer to "which is best?" Different inverts have different traits.
Just don't get a macro shrimp and you'll be fine!
You can always add both shrimp and snails- shrimp barely effect the bioload.
Last edited:
I agree with Wycco. My male Cherries are ALWAYS swimming around my tank. Their is never a dull moment with lots of Cherries. Plus, if you get a brig, you can enjoy watching the majestic sport of "Para-Snailing"!
BettaFishMommy
finkids make me happy :-)
I'd do both! but be informed about both before you bring any of either home. Shrimp do better in a tank that has been established for some time (a mature tank), so keep that in mind.
There is always the classifieds on here... usually (pre shipping) less expensive than your LFS- although the price of shipping really adds up... so it depends on how much you want to spend.
You'll get much nicer coloured shrimp and snails (plus healthier ones) from the AC members.
The "mystery" snails will be what people are selling on here as Brig's, Bridgesii, or Diffusa. (species being Pomacea Bridgesii Diffusa). They get big so you may not want more than two or they'll push your bio-load.
If you want smaller snails (bladders/ramshorns/mts) I bet your LFS have some they'd give you for free that hitchiked in on plants (assuming your LFS sells plants).
You'll get much nicer coloured shrimp and snails (plus healthier ones) from the AC members.
The "mystery" snails will be what people are selling on here as Brig's, Bridgesii, or Diffusa. (species being Pomacea Bridgesii Diffusa). They get big so you may not want more than two or they'll push your bio-load.
If you want smaller snails (bladders/ramshorns/mts) I bet your LFS have some they'd give you for free that hitchiked in on plants (assuming your LFS sells plants).