Snails, Sand and Seeking Advice

[DeeLee2013]

So, since I'm rescaping my 36g, I've decided to go with a combo Eco-Complete black and Tahitian Moon Sand (also black) for the substrate. I remember from my biology classes that snails play a decent role in aquaria and aeration/clean-up, so I have two big questions:

1 - should I add snails into my soon-to-be-planted tank? If so, what kind will not create a snail population explosion assuming I don't overfeed?

2 - does a healthy planted tank require snails in order to stay healthy? Or is it a matter of personal preference?

Thanks for the advice in advance!

 

[Coursair]

So, since I'm rescaping my 36g, I've decided to go with a combo Eco-Complete black and Tahitian Moon Sand (also black) for the substrate. I remember from my biology classes that snails play a decent role in aquaria and aeration/clean-up, so I have two big questions:

1 - should I add snails into my soon-to-be-planted tank? If so, what kind will not create a snail population explosion assuming I don't overfeed?

2 - does a healthy planted tank require snails in order to stay healthy? Or is it a matter of personal preference?

Thanks for the advice in advance!

Personal preference. Nerites won't breed.
Pond, MTS, and Ramshorns will breed.

I have MTS to aerate sand. I have all 3 types in this tank. I have to trap and thin out periodically.

Currently I need to clean out some empty shells.


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[Rpeinhardt]

Aye, personal preference. I love apple snails and keep a couple in my tanks. They'll eat algae but not at a rate that will offer a means of control.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

I keep Malaysian trumpet snails myself.. I do like how they stir up the substrate and don't bother plants. I used to keep mini ramhorns and pond snails to feed my Indian dwarf puffers. Nerites are definitely efficient algae eaters, just hated their egg laying though.