Snail stocking levels in a 120g ???

[Hoosier Reefer]

I had posted this in the "New to the Hobby" forum, but wasn't getting any intelligent response, so I'll post it here.

OK..... My tank is "cycling"...... I am experiencing my first diatom bloom. Naturally, my thoughts go to "clean up crew"........ I've decided that I would like the following types of snails for my tank: Trochus, Cerith, and Nerite. I do not want to introduce any crabs, cucumbers, or stars at this time (and doubtfully at a later date) . What stocking levels would you suggest for the snails ????

Here is a picture of my tank.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/mcblp/fulltank.jpg


Thanks in advance for the help, Jim

[thing2do]

I dont know any rule of thumbs. I have about 20 little hermits and snails mixed in my 55.

[lsir]

I added the following in my AGA 120 with 160lbs of live rock after about 3 weeks. Astrea 2, Nasarias 3, Red Legged Hermit 5, Blue Legged Hermit 4, and 1 Turbo Snail. I'll tell you, it did a heck of a job on all the ugly algy. The Astrea snails did a great job on the brown (cyno) alge. I'm not sure if I over did it and if my tank can produce enough to keep all my snails alive.

[650-IS350]

Nice rock work there.... would look great when covered in coraline.

well put it this way... in my 100gal with 150 lbs of live rock and 100 lbs of livesand

20 astrea
2 Large turbos
1 huge trochus
6 Margaritas
and a couple of queen conchs

[dippin61]

dont think what you have listed will do the job. your gonna need some astrea's or turbos for the HA that might pop up.

so for a 120, id go something like this:

50-60 astreas
10-20 turbos
1-2 trochus
2-10 nassirius

and anything else you want to add.

i like to have at least 1 snail per gallon.

[pickle311]

I went with 200 cerith, 100 astrea, and 100 blue legged hermits

[reefinmike]

in my 125 i have

3 emeralds
3 turbos
65 astrea
100 bluelegs


it all works out well with this many in my tank, theyre keeping up with algae and not starvin.

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8744203#post8744203 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dippin61
dont think what you have listed will do the job. your gonna need some astrea's or turbos for the HA that might pop up.

so for a 120, id go something like this:

50-60 astreas
10-20 turbos
1-2 trochus
2-10 nassirius

and anything else you want to add.

i like to have at least 1 snail per gallon.


50-60 astreas? 10-20 turbos?

Most of them will be dead in six months from starvation.


Heres's what I've got in my 58:
6-8 astreas,
2 Trochus
1 turbo,
10 nassarius.

And some of the algae eating snails are dying of starvation.

[dippin61]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8744732#post8744732 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichConley
50-60 astreas? 10-20 turbos?

Most of them will be dead in six months from starvation.


Heres's what I've got in my 58:
6-8 astreas,
2 Trochus
1 turbo,
10 nassarius.

And some of the algae eating snails are dying of starvation.

/shrug

ive got 50 astreas in my 55g for a while now, no shortage of food, thats for sure.

[dippin61]

oh.. they also love nori

[HBtank]

:eek2:

Wow people really stock those snails!!

My 80 only has 30 total. 20 for algae. Been like that for a year, no algae...

I need another turbo, poor guy got stuck in the powerhead. First snail I have ever lost :(