Crayfish Proof Snail?

[black_sun]

Is there such a thing?

Whenever I buy plants to feed my crayfish from the LFS I always end up with little Ramshorns and Pond Snails of some kind in my tank. Originally, I really hated that they hitchhiked their way into my tanks but then I noticed they started eating the algae that grows on my glass after the crays start shredding the plants. And I really liked that (plus, they were kinda of neat to watch).

However, once the plants are gone and it's back to normal feedings for the crays, they turn their attention to the snails and in a day or so they're all gone.

So, I was wondering if they was any kind of snail that would eat algae (and plant matter - plants, veggies, algae waffers for when there's no algae) but wouldn't be so easily taken by a crayfish. Maybe something too big to be picked on, or something not easily pulled out of it's shell?

If there aren't any, I'm fine with that. I don't want to buy something (that isn't intentionally a feeder) to get eaten, you know?

Thanks!

 

[Lupin]

I don't think there is a snail that would eat algae and not eaten by crayfish. Crayfish are predatory by nature so as expected, snails become victims. You could try Malaysian trumpet snails. With such hard shells, I doubt they'll be preyed on by crayfish although I don't think I've noticed mine to eat algae but it doesn't hurt to try as you can get them freely anyway.