No, turbo snails generally do not clean sand.
Based on information regarding Smooth Turbo Snails (Lunella cinerea, formerly Turbo cinerea), these popular aquarium inhabitants are known for their excellent cleaning abilities on surfaces like rocks and glass. However, they tend to shy away from the sand substrate in the aquarium.
What Do Turbo Snails Clean?
While they may not patrol the sandy bottom, Smooth Turbo Snails are highly effective at consuming various types of algae and other growths from hard surfaces.
- Algae Films: Thin layers of algae on surfaces.
- Hair Algae: Stringy, hair-like algae.
- Diatoms: Brown or golden-brown algae often seen in new tanks.
- Some Species of Cyanobacteria: Blue-green algae (though effectiveness can vary).
Key Takeaway: If you are looking for a cleanup crew member to specifically target algae on sand, a Smooth Turbo Snail is likely not the best choice, as they prefer to graze on rocks and glass.
