Looking for the best clean-up crew for your freshwater aquarium? Let us break it down for you right here. We'll walk through all the best possible critter and creature options, including snails, shrimp and algae-eating fish.
1. Nerite Snails
Nerite Snails are a favorite of many freshwater aquarists for a reason: these little guys are algae-eating machines! They spend hours every day zooming across aquarium glass,
rocks &
wood leaving clean, algae-free trails in their wake. They can clear algae-coated tanks in a matter of days, sometimes even hours.
Nerites range from dime-sized to quarter-sized and live anywhere from 3 to 10 years with proper care. You can typically stock 1 nerite snail per 5 gallons of aquarium water, making them efficient cleaners for nano setups. Unlike many other snails, they CANNOT reproduce in freshwater, so you'll never have to worry about a population explosion. Even better, they are plant-safe, only grazing on dead or decaying plant matter, and they require minimal care in mature, established systems.
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With so many benefits, nerites seem like a no-brainer for every freshwater aquarist; however, there are some downsides to these algae-eating race cars.
Perhaps the largest drawback to nerite snails is their egg-laying. If you're lucky (or unlucky) enough to get a female, they will lay small white eggs all over the hard surfaces in your aquarium, including the glass, rocks, wood, and any decor. While the eggs will not hatch in freshwater, they are very difficult to remove and often require a razor blade or algae scraper. As an aquascape-focused aquarist, this alone was enough to put me off nerite snails for good.
The second major drawback is their tidal instinct, which can cause them to leave the aquarium and explore on land. In lidless tanks, it’s not uncommon to find a nerite wandering outside the aquarium. While they usually don’t travel far and can often be returned safely, I’ve personally found them on the floor in high-traffic areas where they could've easily been stepped on, and not everyone is lucky enough to notice them in time.
Bottom line: exercise caution if you choose to bring these little guys home, and get a lid!
2. Mystery Snails
Mystery snails are one of the most recognizable and entertaining freshwater snails in the hobby. They can make a worthwhile addition to your cleanup crew as general scavengers, but they aren't necessarily algae eaters. They tend to munch on leftover fish food and decaying plants, as well as soft algae and biofilm. They are larger than nerites (~2") and live roughly 1-3 years under proper conditions. Because of their size, mystery snails produce more waste than nerites and usually require larger setups. A good general guideline is 1 mystery snail per 10 gallons of aquarium water.
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The biggest drawback to mystery snails is that they are not strong algae eaters, so if algae control is your goal, you should consider a different cleanup crew member from this list. However, if you're looking for an interactive & fun general scavenger that will hoover up excess food in your community tank, a mystery snail can be a lively and colorful addition to your aquarium.
3. Rabbit Snails
Rabbit snails are unique bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time burrowing through fine substrate, making them excellent for sandbed cleanup. They are detrivores & scavengers that will munch on decaying plants, leftover fish food, biofilm and soft algae. Like mystery snails, rabbit snails are not dedicated algae eaters. Because they spend their time in the substrate, they will not clean your glass or decor either. They are best suited for aquariums with fine substrates or sand to prevent compaction.
Key drawbacks to rabbit snails are their size & eating habits. Adults average 3-5 inches and live ~2-5 years with a moderate to high bioload. Because they produce more waste than most freshwater snails, they're best kept in medium to large aquariums with proper filtration. As far as diet, you'll need to feed them prepared foods such as sinking pellets, wafers, & blanched vegetables. Beware: a hungry rabbit snail may nibble on soft-leaf plants, so feed them regularly.
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4. Ramshorn Snails
Ramshorn snails are my personal favorite cleanup crew members. These algae-defeating underdogs are often detested by aquarium keepers and even referred to as "pest snails" since they often show up uninvited on live plants or decor. They are by far the most common (& most misunderstood!) freshwater snail in the hobby.
These little guys are extremely hardy, adaptable, and hardworking. As true scavengers with broad diets, ramshorns snack on soft algae, biofilm, leftover fish food, decaying plants, fish waste, and dead or melting plant leaves. Their small size (~0.5") allows them to navigate even the most delicate plant leaves and reach small nooks and crannies in your aquarium hardscape. They will actively graze day and night, cleaning your tank efficiently while producing very minimal bioload. I value them so highly that I intentionally add ramshorns to all my tanks, often as one of the first inhabitants during cycling, due to their incredible resilience.
Freshwater Cleanup Crew FAQ
Do cleanup crew animals replace water changes and maintenance?
No. Cleanup crew members can reduce visible algae and help with leftover food and detritus, but they do not remove dissolved waste. Regular water changes, stable filtration, and controlled feeding are still required for long-term water quality.
How do I choose the right cleanup crew for my tank?
Start with your main problem. Nerite snails and Otocinclus target soft algae and film algae, while ramshorn snails and shrimp do well as broad scavengers. Match the species to your tank size, water parameters, plant density, and tankmates, then stock gradually to avoid overloading the system.
What do I feed cleanup crew animals if my tank has little algae?
If natural algae and biofilm are limited, supplement with algae wafers, sinking pellets, and blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. This is especially important for Otocinclus and larger snails, since starvation can happen in very clean or newer tanks.
How do I prevent ramshorn snails from overpopulating?
Population spikes are usually a feeding issue. Reduce excess feeding, remove uneaten food, and manually remove egg clutches or extra snails as needed. When food availability drops, the population typically stabilizes on its own.
Do I need a lid for snails and shrimp?
A lid is strongly recommended for nerite snails and Amano shrimp, which can climb and leave the aquarium. A secure top reduces losses and also helps maintain stable temperature and evaporation control.
Are shrimp safe with community fish?
It depends on the fish. Many larger or predatory fish will eat shrimp, especially shrimplets. If you want Neocaridina to thrive, choose shrimp-safe tankmates and provide dense plants, mosses, or other cover so shrimp can hide and graze safely.
When should I add a cleanup crew to a new freshwater aquarium?
Add cleanup crew members once the tank is stable enough to support them and there is some natural biofilm or algae available. For sensitive species like Otocinclus, a more established aquarium with consistent water parameters is a safer choice.
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