How many nerite for an effective algae squad?

[ThatGuyWithTheFish]

I was wondering how many horned nerites you might need to keep your glass spotless. My glass is already spotless, but I want to get rid of the otos in my 20 long and I'm redoing my 10G. How many should I have, and how do they compare in size to zebra and tiger nerites (which I find cumbersome).

[In2wishin]

Horned are about 1/2 the size of the zebras: close to but maybe a tiny bit smaller than the olives.

I keep a total of 5 assorted nerites in my 12g. 3 are the larger zebra and red spot and 2 are the smaller horned. You will see recommendations ranging from 1 for every 10 gallons to 1 per gallon. I have found 1 per 2-3 gallons seems to work best for me. Other than my shrimp tank, I have no other algae eaters in any of my aquariums so the nerites have the monopoly.

[ThatGuyWithTheFish]

Do they do well in tanks with pH 6.5 and KH/GH of 3-4?

[DishyFishy]

I believe they prefer a pH of 7-8. But someone may have had success in your range.

[jasonpatterson]

They'll live, but in any acidic tank the snail's shell will dissolve over time. I recently removed mine from my shrimp tank and transferred them to a brackish tank I keep for opae ula. Unfortunately they're being a bit too effective at cleaning up the tank. I've got another basic tank in my basement, but it's probably too cold for them to survive, long term.