Zebra Snails

Have been recommended to get Zebra snails for the algae in the tank, but wonder if anyone can give me the gen on whether they are a good buy or not and the fors and against please.   I don't want to get over run with snails as I have been trying to rid the tank of the little ones that come in on the plants.   

Thanks Colin, that's very helpful.   May have to invest in some then.   Lots of areas that I cant get at to clean so that would be good.   I was worried about the breeding, but that sounds ok.

Acclimate them like fish.

Gone a bit American Sue??

Quote from: Sue on September 20, 2014, 05:08:08 PM

Acclimate them like fish.

Gone a bit American Sue??

In fishkeeping, it's usually acclimate. Probably because it is American like the fact that gallons usually refers to American galls 

Thanks everyone for your input.   I looked up the horned snail Sue, and its interesting, I will see if MA has some, may get  some of each as I have two tanks.   Do they clean up the hair type algae as well.

Hair algae is always a problem - Snails do a great job of removing some types of algae (and I think snails are a good addition to many community tanks as they add extra diversity and interest) but they're unlikely to tackle hair algae in any meaningful way. Your best bet is that they scrape some off as they're moving along. It can often be removed with a bit of elbow grease but it's worth thinking about what is causing the algae to grow and try to stop the cause.

An algae removal 'medication' may also help but it's better to avoid adding any chemicals to your tank if there is no urgent need to do so.

In fishkeeping, it's usually acclimate. Probably because it is American like the fact that gallons usually refers to American galls 

Litres all the way for me (US or UK)! And you can't go wrong with a good acclimatisation, especially with an 's' 

Useful information dbaggie, thanks.   I have two tanks, both treated the same, but one has this hair algae in it, and I wondered if it could have been brought in on some plants or something.   I only feed once a day, and a lot less than I did to start with.  I can take out the ornaments and scrub it off, but difficult to do it with the plants.   I did buy some medication, but haven't used it yet, very hesitant to do so for some reason.

Thank you Chris.

Yes Sue, it is the long stringy one.   I have a small stick that I use and wind it round that it doesn't seem to disturb the fish so much.   Its just a nuisance really, and not out of hand .