Looking for a snail...

[rudukai13]

Was wondering about getting a few snails for my tank to help get rid of some of the algae on the glass. I've got a few criteria though:

1. Must be SLOW TO REPRODUCE. I remember having a tank a few years ago where I introduced about two or three snails, after a very short time (a number of months) they had multiplied to over a few hundred and had taken over the tank. I'd really rather not go through that again.

2. Would like something that was a little larger, and something nice to look at, although looks are not a big deal.

3. Must be easily and cheaply attainable through an LFS - no rare ones that I have to go searching on an internet store for, and would rather not spend more than about $10-15.

Any and all help is as always greatly appreciated!

 

[rudukai13]

...Anyone?

 

[mauricio yearwood]

apple snail will do just get one and you shud be fine since they need both sexes to reproduce

 

[Bizarroterl]

I was going to suggest Nerite snails but #3 kind of disqualifies them.

 

[msjinkzd]

apple snails are inefficient algae eaters at best, not to mention they lay egg clutches which can produce 200 babies if you don't see them to remove them.

Nerites are your best bet. They are colorful, exceptionally efficient algae eaters, and do not produce viable young in fw. They will lay small sesame seed sized eggs on glass and hardscape, but the eggs will not develop. They typically go for $2-5 a piece and the largest ones get about quarter sized. Here are pics of two types;
red spot (tracked nerite):

zebra nerite:


They have a couple year life span so are a worthy investment. Also, they don't have particularly visible faces and antennae that would be attractive to fish and encourage harassment.

 

[Death Pony]

If you void #3, nerties and/or tylomelanias would be a good choice.

 

[msjinkzd]

tylos would really depend on the fish stocking as they are quite shy around fish.

 

[Blue2Fyre]

Tylos might also eat plants if this is a planted tank. Mine has greatly enjoyed eating my money wort. Which is fine since it's doing better in a different tank anyway.