What can you tell me about Nassarius Obsoleta

I have seen these snails on Ebay for what seems like ridiculous prices! e.g. 300 for $19.00! Are they really good detritus and algae eaters, or is someone trying to unload a nusance? I read a little on the web about them and they seem ok, but I would like the opinion of someone here who has experience with them.

As always thanks,

Mike

 

Mike,
i purchased about 100 of them for my tanks off of ebay. They don't eat too much algae, but are good at cleaning up any uneatin food. I think the best part about them is there ablility to stirr up the sand. They hide beneath the sand during the day, and come out when you feed...mixin it up a little. The only problem i've had with them, is that they seem to die off pretty quick. I'm not sure if my crabs are killing them off, but i've seen alot of shells just laying at the bottom of my tank recently.

 

I have 10 in my tank (46gal) and at this point really enjoy them. I was told NOT to put any into my refugium or any tank with a really DSB as the person I talked to felt that these stirring up the sand bed could potentially release harmful nitrates that are stored in the DSB However the ones I have in my display tank (2in SB) do exactly what vdhillon described, they burrow under the sand and as soon as food hits the water they are all coming up out of the sand as fast as possible. I do see mine on the glass of the tank from time to time, but most of the time they are burrowed with their "snorkle" sticking out of the sand. One time they were all in a single file line crossing the tank. haha

 

im pretty sure that the reason why they die fast is because they are more for cold water 72-78 they most reef tanks r 78-80ish...i have have 2-3 for about 1.5 years thats pretty long for them lol...they r really cool to watch though