Ilyanassa snails

[LPDK91]

Any thoughts on using these snails in the reef tank setting. I used them about four years ago in a FOWLR set up. They seemed to do a nice job on stirring up the sand bed but became Puffer food. I was thinking about adding some to my reef tank. I have read some people like them and others do not. Any thoughts? Yes, they are the cheap snails sold on Ebay.

 

[crazyseany]

cheap ones? how much are they?
are they comparable to a... ? cerith... nassarius.... astrea....

just curious too
sean

 

[glalderman]

I haven't read it yet...but here is an article on the snail from ReefKeeping online...

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-11/mg/index.php

 

[oldreefer76]

I read the article and no way would I put these in my tank

 

[itZme]

I have used them and had no trouble but they do claim that the life span will be greatly reduced by keeping them at the temps we use for our aquariums.
I noticed that a lot of my hermits now sport those shells so that's one thing you gain from having them around
They hide under the sand until any food hits the water and then they come out like zombies. I have kept multiple clams with them and never had one attacked. The snails do work well for cleaning up any leftover food you may have in the tank too.
You can find ceriths for about 50 cents each of you look around and buy in bulk so it may be worth it to stick to those if you are worried about it.