quantity of snails?

i know that in a cleaner crew you should keep a variety of different species of snails and etc.but i was wondering what is the proper ratio of snails per gallon that should be kept?

 

I would probably start with between 5-10 maybe more depending on how big you tank is, then wait to see how they do and if necessary add more

 

i think it kinda depends on how bad your algae is. you dont want alot, cause then you will have to feed them algae if they clean your tank out. and the waste they excrete sinks right to the sand and cause more algae if you dont clean it up.I would add a couple at a time and see how much they can consume. i got 2 in my 60 gal and they keep up pretty good. just my opinion

 

This is a good resource for qty per glallon

Algae Attack Pack - Ultimate



\cheers

 

Don't pay attention to those so called cleaner packages sold by LFS's...

They will sell you way, way more then you need.

1/2 dozen turbos and maybe a dozen or more hermits taking care of my 125 gal just fine.


:-/

 

ok well i think im way over.i have like 8 turbos,6 hermits,4 cerith, 2 nassirius,1 emerald and 2slugs.would they produce alot of waste in my 30?

 

my guess would be yeah! gotta leave room for fish and corals if you want corals. plus snails and hermits and such are kinda clumsy always scraping their shells on my lps corals. i would only get enough to keep up with your clean up needs. anything else is just using up space, even more so in a 30 gal.

 

My experience is that snail population will adjust itself to amount of food available for them in tank...Nature will solve any overpopulation problem for you. :-/

 

I bought 40 for my tank, had a couple die off and now everyone seems happy. You can check on my tank thread to see how many of each type of snail I bought. The 1st place trophy goes to the nassarius, it cruises the sand and the glass, plus I think I might have lost only 1 or 2 per dozen introduced. And they are the most fun to watch, especially during feeding time. I am looking to buy another dozen when I get a chance... good luck with what you decide!