Confused By Snails...

[l337dave]

I understand that differant snails do differant jobs in the tank, but can anyone let me in on what they all do, from reading posts on here I understand that these are the best types to have:

Nassarius Snails
Astraea Snails
Cerith Snails

where do 'turbo' snails fit in? I guess this is just a differant name for one of the above types..?

I've been having a look around and I've found someone sellling these:

they are a reasonable price but I would only get them if they are going to be useful in there. what type are they?

I currently have 2 'turbo' snails and 2 hermits in the tank.


thanks!


dave.

 

[SkiFletch]

I'm not a fan of astrea or turbo snails. Both are very omnivorous and eat a lot of different things within the aquarium. However, tubo snails get big and run the risk of bulldozing rockwork, and they also do not tolerate summer heat well. Astreas cant right themselves when they fall on their back and dont last long. Cerith, Nassarius, and Trochus are my snails of choice. Cerith are mostly algae eaters (including some forms of cyano and hair), nassarius are detritus and carrion eaters, and trochus are pretty omnivorous. All can right themselves relatively easily, and cerith/nassarius sift the sand as well.

 

[l337dave]

I'm not a fan of astrea or turbo snails. Both are very omnivorous and eat a lot of different things within the aquarium. However, tubo snails get big and run the risk of bulldozing rockwork, and they also do not tolerate summer heat well. Astreas cant right themselves when they fall on their back and dont last long. Cerith, Nassarius, and Trochus are my snails of choice. Cerith are mostly algae eaters (including some forms of cyano and hair), nassarius are detritus and carrion eaters, and trochus are pretty omnivorous. All can right themselves relatively easily, and cerith/nassarius sift the sand as well.

okey - noted.

do you know what the ones in the above picture are..?

thanks,


dave.

 

[SkiFletch]

I am by no means a snail expert, but they look like astrea to me

 

[Donya]

I don't think that's in the Astrea genus--wrong shell shape. Looks like a Margarites species, possibley pupillus. Sometimes it takes a shot from the bottom with the operculum in the picture (since the operculum is often a distinguishing characteristic).