zebra nerites

Razzo

Razzo

AC Members
Mar 5, 2009
938
11
18
Michigan - Indiana Border
Real Name
Russ
Hi everyone, I am pretty new here and I do not know much about snails. I have become interested in the zebra nerites to help keep algae under control in my Rift Lake cichlid tanks. I have been told that the zebra nerites will do a wonderful job and I have also been told by another source that the risk of contamination with snails is very high.

So, I've got a 125 gallon tank with some wc Tanganyika cichlids that I don't want to "contaminate;" but, I am considering the "risk" as I really want help with algae control.

This seems like just the right place to gain some knowledge on the subject.

Thank you for your help :)

Russ
 
jpappy789 said:
I agree, but I'm not so sure about the mixing with Tangs and nerites...what species?
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Tank #1: Compressiceps, brevis & cyprichromis.
Tank #2: Mature frontosa
Tank #3: Frontosa fry & smallie juveniles.


msjinkzd said:
I think the risk is really low. I have added zebras to most of my tanks without issues at all.
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Thanks msjinkzd. I was reading another one of your replys in a different thread that snails can be qt for 2 to 4 weeks just to be safe???
 
jpappy789 said:
Eh. I've heard that nerites shell structure makes them harder to get at than say brigs, but I'm not sure...worth a shot.

Btw, I would absolutely LOVE to see pics of your setups, especially the cyps. :D
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Be careful what you ask for :) Here are some cyp pics....

These first few pics are of my 125 that we put in the wall in our basement (I've since added shells for the brevis). This is the tank that I need help with algae control.
Tangs022.jpg


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TangCommunity002.jpg


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Tangs009.jpg


We've had some babies recently that are in a 20L
TangCommunity005.jpg


001CyprichromisFry12-31-08-Day2011.jpg


MiscellaneousPictures053.jpg
 
If you qt the snails for a month, there is not much possibilty of any parasite living as they need a host which the snails cannot be. I have added zebras to all my fish tanks with no issues, as well as c. corona. I think either may work as they do not have "visible" faces or antennae like the apple snails do. You would have to have a back up plan in case of harassment, but I would think it *could* work.
 
msjinkzd said:
If you qt the snails for a month, there is not much possibilty of any parasite living as they need a host which the snails cannot be. I have added zebras to all my fish tanks with no issues, as well as c. corona. I think either may work as they do not have "visible" faces or antennae like the apple snails do. You would have to have a back up plan in case of harassment, but I would think it *could* work.
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Thanks for the advice. It sounds like it is worth trying. I do have a few more questions:

1) How many of them should I pick up to help with cleaning duties in the 125?

2) I have a group of frontosa fry that I will be shipping out sometime in the near future (they are in a 55 gallon tank). I could use that tank as a qt tank. I will let the brown algae accumulate as a food source. Are there other food sources that I would need once they have cleaned up all the algae.

3) Eggs. How much of a"problem" will I have with snail eggs with these guys and are there any natural preditors that will eat the eggs. I am just note sure if the eggs will create another mainteance item for me.

Thanks again, Russ
 
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