Nerite Snails???

[sstromerson]

I am looking for a snail that will help take care of some extra algae that is starting to build up. I have looked into it some and think that this would be a safe bet for my tank, because I don't want a snail that will reproduce like crazy and I've read that they don't reproduce that well in fresh water.

I have a 90 gallon with some Jack Dempsey's and some Red Terrors that are all under 4", a small blue yabbie lobster, and a 5" pleco that just isn't doing the trick. The water is kept at 78 degrees, pH at around 7.8, water is medium-hard. Would these snails do the trick and be able to survive in my tank? And how many would you suggest? If not could you suggest an alternative?

 

[Newt]

Nerites are great snails for cichlid tanks.

The three nerites in my 75 CA tank have survied for two years now. They don't have any "soft parts" exposed for the cichlids to grab onto, so they don't get eaten like other snails. Also, you are correct that they don't reproduce in freshwater. They will lay eggs (the eggs look like white dots on the glass), but the eggs don't hatch and are easily wiped away.

 

[Lupin]

Your water is fine but the obstacle here is your crayfish. Crayfish and snails don't mix regardless of the species on both sides. Once your crayfish is out of the way, choose horned nerites as the spines will dissuade the cichlids from harassing them.

 

[sstromerson]

I found that I can buy some at Planet Inverts. Has anyone had experience with ordering from them?

Also their website says that they only reach 1/2" is that large enough to not get eaten by my cichlids?

 

[Lupin]

I found that I can buy some at Planet Inverts. Has anyone had experience with ordering from them?

Also their website says that they only reach 1/2" is that large enough to not get eaten by my cichlids?

Check this for Planet Inverts experience.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209848

As far as the size is concerned, what species do you want to keep? That size is a blanket term. There are over 200 hundred species of nerites. Mine are mostly inch in size.