how many snails would you/do you have?

[roadie996]

I posted this on a different SW forum, but I guess it must be a low key cause I didn't get many answers. I did some google searching and found this forum, which definitely seems more active! So here goes:
Currently I have 3 large turbo snails and a conch in my tank. I've seen recommendations of up to 10 turbo snails for a 30 gallon tank. Would you agree? What would be a good limit for my tank? I have a lot of rock surface, so I'd imagine at least 5 would be a good start, but I don't want to over populate and possible starve them! What are some of you using in your tank for algea/detritus control?

 

[arvins]

Turbo snails are pigs, they mow down algae like you wouldn't believe however, because they do eat so much they starve to death in our tanks rather easily to. I use one in my 55 gallon and I'm about to pull him and go trade him in for astrea snails simply because I don't think hes getting enough food. I wouldn't put 10 turbo snails in a 30 I'd probably stick to the one you have and then grab some smaller less hungry snails for the rest of your cleanup needs

 

[roadie996]

thanks for the info, I've noticed they do have a pretty veracious appetite. I'll keep these snails in there then, and perhaps pick up a second conch since my snails have yet to even hit the substrate.

 

[truperc]

I would say 3 turbo for a 30 is enough for the turbo snails.
To answer better, I guess it would depend on if you want crabs as well.
I like a mix in my tank.
60 G
4 - Large Turbo
8 - Nassarius
8 - Cerith
8 - blue leg hermit
8 - red leg hermit
1 - electric blue hermit
2 - peppermint shrimp
3 - Green Mithrax Crabs
1 - Tiger Sand Conch
Probably 10 more snails and crabs I have missed.

 

[roadie996]

What crabs would be good to team up with those snails? I don't want them picked on or scared to clean the rocks because of crabs. I had 6 red scarlet crabs last year, but when I moved from my old apartment they died (nov '08). I am not sure what exactly the cause was because everything else survived.

 

[arvins]

I have the electric orange hermit crabs and they do well with each other and the snails but its just a matter of time before they decide to kill someone and steal their home I know! Thats why I haven't gotten any conchs, they cost more then the average snail and I'm sure my hermit would show up cruising around the tank in the conchs shell right after I put it in there.
I have turbo, astrea, nass snails as well as hermits in my tank. I just add a few with each fish for right now that way as the bioload increases the new clean up guys can start working.