algae on snails

[goochesfish]

I only put in 10 snails and they're doing a great job getting algae of the rocks but the snails are growing algae on their shells. It's getting rather long too. The only part that doesn't have algae is the new growth at the base of the shell. Anyone else have this problem?

 

[charlesr1958]

Simply take them out, put your finger over their opening to prevent water getting in and hold them under a running faucet and scrub their shell with a stiff brush and return to the tank.

Chuck

 

[Geedorah]

the reason they are like this is because its the only place in the tank that they cant clean!
I have observed snails eating algae off the shells of other snails, I wouldnt advise on taking them out to clean them, I think this would be highly stressful for the animal, just because they dont exhibit behavior like other animals i dont think such treatment should be advised.
It is only a relatively small amount of algae.

 

[cloak]

If anything, scrub them off in a bucket of salt water you've already taken out for a water change.

 

[livingcorals]

I just take a tooth brush in a small container with saltwater.