Snails :)

[College Kid]

In my 5.5g, I'm starting to get an algae situation. I know I can scrub away and reduce light, but since I'm testing new things out in this tank, I figured I'd try snails since I've never kept any.

Which snails legitly eat algae? And which reproduce asexually? My only concern with snails is I don't want to have a huge population explosion.

Any input is welcome!

 

[josh7]

Netrite snails are probably the best algae eating snail

 

[Mr.Albiman]

Nerite Snails are the best for the job. They're prolific algae eaters and reproduce sexually so need a male and a female. There are lots of pretty variations like Zebra, Olive, Green, Tiger and Horned.

There are a few downsides though. If you end up with a female - its almost impossible to sex them by the way so it's just chance really - then it may lay eggs everywhere. They won't hatch though because of the absence of a male (plus they need saltwater/brackish to hatch anyway). To get rid of them just scrape them of the side of the tank with a razor or something similar. Also you should probably only keep 1 in this sized tank because of their relatively high bio-load; 1 will eat all the algae in this size tank no problem anyway.

When all the algae is gone, make sure you supplement it with algae wafers.

Good luck.

 

[Fishy Aston]

Apple Golden Snails

They dont eat much Algae but are very cool to watch.

They do eat a small bit of algae though!

 

[College Kid]

Sounds like nerite is the way to go so far. How big do they get?

 

[okapizebra]

Nerite snails are quite small. Probably an inch at max. They are definitely fantastic algae eaters.

 

[Fishy Aston]

You have just taught me something new too

Thanks Guys!

 

[College Kid]

If I don't have a hood, will that be a problem?

 

[Austin.b]

If I don't have a hood, will that be a problem?

IMO no, but I have heard of snails climbing out of the tank before. This has never happened to me though.. Horned nerites are much smaller and I think they would be better off in such a small tank, plus they are always on the move and look awesome!!

 

[Lotsofbabies]

Apple Golden Snails

They dont eat much Algae but are very cool to watch.

They do eat a small bit of algae though!

Our Apple Snails eat algae very well and eat the guppies' poo, keeping our tanks very clean! They are beautiful and move around a lot, so makes for stunning aquarium "movie",

BUT they breed like rabbits, thus the Nerite snails seem to be your best bet. I had to destroy dozens of egg clusters this weekend.

Give it some more thought.

 

[College Kid]

I'll do more research on both, though the lack of rabbit-esque breeding makes merited more appealing. Lolz. Thanks all!

 

[Lotsofbabies]

I'll do more research on both, though the lack of rabbit-esque breeding makes merited more appealing. Lolz. Thanks all!

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[College Kid]

So I looked for nerite snails and couldn't find any at my LFS, petco, or petsmart. Sadness. All I'm seeing are mystery snails and apple snails. Soooo.....

Anyone know where I can order nerites? Are mystery snails suitable for my needs?

Plz and thanks!

 

[Bags101]

Look in the wanted/ classified thread on this site you should be able to find some.

 

[Lotsofbabies]

So I looked for nerite snails and couldn't find any at my LFS, petco, or petsmart. Sadness. All I'm seeing are mystery snails and apple snails. Soooo.....

Anyone know where I can order nerites? Are mystery snails suitable for my needs?

Plz and thanks!

Google mystery snails, that should give you an idea.

For more on Apple Snails - www.applesnail.net - very informative.