i went to fake plants, and I've still seen the RES take a few nips at those!!
My snappers ruined my 'pretty' tank. It pretty much became a tank of necessity. If it didnt have to be there, the snappers would take it out.
I have been able to successfully breed african cichlids (Blue Zebras) in my RES tank for years. And the little snails are breeding like crazy.... unfortunetly, they are too small to use as daily diet. (the snails)