Which snails or no snails?

[tomboys]

Hi
We're still looking at setting up our first tank, but my fiance has been quite adamant that snails weren't allowed because they're creepy. After speaking to someone in one of our LFSs and him showing that their display tank with snails is so much cleaner than their display tank without snails, she is considering allowing snails. So 2 questions: which snails would you recommend that will keep the tank clean but not breed and take over (and why), and is there an alternative to snails? We were previously planning on Hermit Crabs, Emerald Crabs and a Tuxedo Urchin

 

[lapin]

For snails
Nassarius will live in the sand and you wont see them until night or feeding time.
Bubblebees look kewl not creepy.
Trochus will clean rocks and they can right themselves if they fall over. However they look like a snail.

You can use Hermit Crabs, Emerald Crabs and a Tuxedo Urchin along with or without snails.

All these help you with maintaince however you will still need to clean

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I hate the slugs too, but trust me, when algae starts growing and covering your things, you will come to love them