Snails Barbs And Algae

[coolie]

So, many people on here want to get rid of snails. They just don't like them.
 
I do like them, and they keep the sides of my tank clean of algae. The trouble is, I got Rosy Barbs and they eat snails.
 
Snails eat Algae.
 
Algae removes (or uses) the special nutrients (like iron) I add for plant growth.
 
Now - some of those easy carbo products tell you they remove algae. But I've got a state of the art CO2 injection system. Is it really necessary to add expensive chemicals on top to remove algae?
 
I think not. I want my snails back but the problem is ... well, errrr... I love my Rosy Barbs too much... hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[fm1978]

Maybe they wouldn't eat the larger snails, Tylomelania? Some of these rabbit snails get to 4-5cm...they also come in a variety of lovely colours.

 

[DrRob]

First question is, why are you getting algae? There's always a reason, and snails don't have to be the solution.
 
What sort of algae is it, and what are the conditions? Is there too long a photoperiod or too intense a lighting rig, or is it a flow issue?

 

[DerpPH]

Tip: Rosy barbs are omnivores and eat algae. They are somewhat herbivorous too. In a shoal of about 10 they will put a somewhat dent in your algae

 

[coolie]

What sort of algae is it, and what are the conditions? Is there too long a photoperiod or too intense a lighting rig, or is it a flow issue?
 

 
 
It's not the string algae I once had, it's the green sheen that covers the glass, but it starts to grow quite thick. There is daylight in the room, I can't avoid that,
but my photoperiod is low.
 

Rosy barbs are omnivores and eat algae.
 

 
Yes, they are, they will go along the glass and nibble at the algae if it is encrusted or starts to form a string, however they can't clean the glass like a suckerfish.