When is the best time to introduce an algae snail to my tank?

I have a 70 litre tank and I would like to get a/some algae eating snails as they look good. Should I get a snail when I can see algae or can I introduce it anyway?|||You don't need to wait until you see algae but you need to wait until the tank is cycled. If you don't know what that means there are tons of sites then can explain it. Once the tank is cycled and if you still don't see any algae its fine since algae is just a snack and you will need to feed the snails food anyway.





The site I have listed below has a great forum, you can learn everything that you would ever want to know. Some of the people are very nice and may send you a sample of some snail food, maybe even some snails, if you would like to try it out.|||Hey there, First of all is it a salt or fresh tank? How mature is it? Most snails /inverts do better in optimum water quality. Do you know what kind of snail? Any other info would be helpful|||With a fresh water tank you can add the snail at any time but if there is not enough algae present just drop in an algae tablet from time to time.|||i have snail's have 4 years and anytime you want to add something new to your tank you should as long as you have efficient room and the new B is compatible with the rest i say go for it but let the bag float for about 30 Min's tell you put it in so it will be use to the water temp. no you don't have to have algae on your tank before you add a snail they also will eat fish food I've seen mine grab flake food from the water as it drops past him.. GOOD LUCK TO YA|||personally i wouldn't put a snail in a tank most people want to know how to get rid of them, it only takes one to propagate and you'll end up with hundreds.|||The type of snail most fish stores will sell you is an apple, or mystery snail. It's a completely different type of snail than the ones that hitch a ride on palnts, and breed like mad. Snails will eat any food that your fish miss, algae, and to a limited extent fish feces. I'd wait until you can see algae. That way you can judge how well they are eating. (If there is lots of algae they are getting a lots of other food. If there is no algae they aren't getting enough food.)