Virgin Nerites cleaning substrate?

[Jason K]

So I got a handful of virgin Nerite for my 7 gal. Been in for 4 days to help with the initial diatom bloom…but they avoid the (pink fiji) sand like the plague. Will not leave the glass to venture around the tank.

will they ever clean the sand?

 

[SaltyT]

No, nerite snails won't clean the sand they stay on the glass and rocks. If you want a snail that will help clean the sand in a nano tank like yours look into nassarius vibex, dwarf and Florida ceriths.

 

[JoJosReef]

Second. My nerites are always on the glass. FL ceriths best bet, but if you have a decent amount of sand space, could consider one of the smallest species of conch, which would clean up your sand really well, especially diatoms.

 

[Jason K]

actually after a full 7 days, most of them have ventured onto the sand. not really doing a great job cleaning the substrate, but they are munching away on the sand. will give it a bit more time to see if i need to get different species of snails (which I'd rather not do).

 

[SaltyT]

actually after a full 7 days, most of them have ventured onto the sand. not really doing a great job cleaning the substrate, but they are munching away on the sand. will give it a bit more time to see if i need to get different species of snails (which I'd rather not do).

That's unusual behavior which could mean they're desperate for food. Do you have any algae or film build up on the glass?

 

[Jason K]

I think there’s plenty of food (diatoms), and plenty of snail poop to show they’re not starving. In fact, I’m not sure I have enough snails to handle this tank.
Not sure you can make it out in the picture, but there’s plenty of film still on the glass.

 

[SaltyT]

I think there’s plenty of food (diatoms), and plenty of snail poop to show they’re not starving. In fact, I’m not sure I have enough snails to handle this tank.
Not sure you can make it out in the picture, but there’s plenty of film still on the glass.

Yep, I see the film. Pretty shell on that snail I can see why you picked it.

 

[Jason K]

Not only do they regularly visit the substrate, they’re even cleaning macro algae These guys are doing yeoman’s work