best algae eating snail?

[sarahw20000]

Hi i've had a look at the different types of snails but i'm still not clear which one i should get.

I want a snail to go with my betta in a 2.5 gal tank that -

-will eat all the algae

-won't reproduce

-won't create tons of waste

-can tolerate my high PH of 8

Is there such a snail?

Thanks

 

[ChickenScratch930]

Hi,

I think an apple snail might be a good choice,

They eat algae, they lay eggs above the water so you can control reproduction by removing the eggs, they do create quite a bit of waste though, especially if they're big, but just having one might not be too bad. And they do best in a ph of 7-8 so your water should be fine.

Here's a great website about them

http/applesnail.net/

 

[abstract]

i would not add any snails to a 2.5 gallon tank...the amount of waste they produce (especially a large-ish apple snail - they get up to 5-6" in diameter!) is just too much for an uncycled tank...you will have to do more 100% water changes to keep your betta healthy...

assuming you are doing water changes at least once a week, it isn't tough to wipe down the inside of the tank with a clean cloth - takes all of 1 minute

 

[sarahw20000]

i spose, just thought it would be nice to have something else in there that had a use aswell!

I'll leave it i think, thanks for your replies though

 

[abstract]

2 better options are:

1) a couple ghost shrimp - but they MAY end up dinner - worth a try since they are cheap and def. fun to watch
2) an african dwarf frog - again, COULD end up dinner or injured if you have an agressive betta..also known to latch on to betta fins harmlessly but could end up in slight nips

edit: oh, but these obviously won't help with algae, but do clean up leftover food