Snails for live rock cleanup?

[tdcracing]

I'm needing some snails for live rock cleanup. I have Certiths now (About 5 left) and they don't seem to be getting on the rocks much. Mainly the glass. Don't want Astreas. I think I have Certiths also. But there always in the sand hiding untill feeding time.



What are my options?

[thebkramer]

I have 2 turbos that constant stay on the rocks (use to have 5.. but loss recently)
just make sure everything is secure or they will knock stuff over...
IMO stay away from margaritas.. they can't right themselves if they fall
I use to have nerites that would stay on rocks.. but I don't have much luck with them surviving long..

[tdcracing]

[QUOTE=thebkramer;18892499]IMO stay away from margaritas.. they can't right themselves if they fall QUOTE]

Astreas are also called turbo snails right? Thats the only reason I said I did not want astreas is because of what I quoted you on.

[thebkramer]

no.. I have both Astrea (which I personally love!!) and Turbos.. they are different.
Astreas have more of a cone shaped shell.. turbos are round.. both are great algae eaters.
btw.. the abalone and trochus are also great rock dwellers IMO..

Here is a great site to show differences

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/a....cfm?c=497+526

[tdcracing]

So is this what I need? I think this site was confusing me.



http://www.saltwaterfish.com/TurboAs...0-_p_3201.html




The mexican Turbo looks more like what you were refering to....

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/Mexican...ail_p_374.html

[cloak]

Check these out.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rs/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-07/rs/index.php

[thebkramer]

WOW!!
that is confusing!! they even have the Turbo snails labeled as Trochus!!!

But yes.. those are Astreas.. I find they are really good algae eaters, and they thrive in my tank

this is the real turbo:
http://www.saltwaterfish.com/Mexican...ail_p_374.html

the description isn't 100% but they are another great algae eater.. they can get large though and so some aquarists don't like them.. but I can't imagine a tank without them!!
its all about preference I guess

these guys are also awesome to have, if you don't have them.. as they stir up and clean your sandbed without killing beneficial fauna and bacteria

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/Nassari...-10_p_380.html

[SarahE]

I love my black longspine urchin. He eats tons of algae. Also, I have an emerald crab who picks algae from hard to reach places, a turban snail that cleans the glass and other smooth surfaces, and a turbo snail that gets everything else.

For live rock, I'd recommend a couple turbo snails or an emerald crab if it's a small amount of algae or a longspine urchin for a bigger problem.

Also, don't worry about a little algae. I once lost a crab because I tried to keep my tank too clean and algae-free and he didn't have enough to eat.

[tdcracing]

Thanks for all of the help. I appreciate it.

[aleonn]

My cerith snails are pretty lazy when it comes to algae. I like trochus snails over astreas, since trochus can flip itself if it falls on its back. I also prefer nerite snails over turbos, as nerites are more limited in their growth, and won't knock down frags as much as the large turbos. Urchins can eat your coralline algea, and also knock down frags as well.

Depending on your tank size, you can consider tangs of the ctenochaetus family, such as the kole yellow eye, bristletooth, or chevron tangs, as they're adept at algae control.

[Lynnmw1208]

my favorite snails for the rocks are unfortunately astreas. I know you don't like them for whatever reason, but they stay on the rocks way more than other snails. the ceriths tend to stay in the sand or on the glass. Margarita snails will do mostly glass. Mexican turbos don't live long in warmer water tanks.

If you're worried about astreas not being able to right themselves, I have not had to turn one over in the 3 months my tank has been running. margaritas are another story... Astreas are pretty good at not falling off stuff.