Green algae bloom, snails?

[TheCheese909]

I was going to get a small (4) school of Ottos since i tend to get algae issues often, but in the past they have always seemed to not live for very long. It's not a water issue as ive tested it (liquid), i think it's just stress of shipment since I believe the only time I have been able to buy them is right when they get to the store.

Anyhow, I'm interested in getting a snail instead. I know they have quite the large bioload and i'm fine with that, water changes don't scare me. I have green algae growing like crazy in my npt right now and i'm supposed to be headed out in the afternoon to go to acouple fish stores. I'm wondering what type of snail would you recommend to buy? Photos of them too so I know what to look for, if you can :)

Also, how can you tell what a healthy snail looks like? I only here and there see decent sized snails moving about the pet store aquariums but for the most part I tend to see a group of them laying at the bottom of the tank similar to this: http://i1073.photobucket.com/albums/...81019286_n.jpg
Are these ones dead or just scared/recently added to the tank or sick? I would really rather not buy a sick or even dead snail lol.


Thanks in advance :)

[TheCheese909]

Maybe this should be moved to Betta Fish Compatibility instead..

[LebronTheBetta]

Nerites are the best for algae of all kinds. Check for active snails but mine are usually awake when lights are on. They do need to rest stuck on the glass are in their shells. I don't know any sick snails, sorry.

[TheCheese909]

Okay, I'll look for them. I just looked them up and it seems they cannot reproduce in freshwater, which is awesome. I see it says they wont eat my plants, which again, awesome, but what about Marimo? I know they eat algae and i guess Marimo is a type of algae? Will they be safe?