is there any benefit to having snails?

[Nyx]

Is there any benefit to having snails other than MTS in the planted aquarium? Just wondering.

[fischkopp]

Most snails eat algae and leftover food particles (bigger snails devour plants as well) and are an important part of an eco system. There is also an aesthetic aspect of having snails in an aquarium - as long as they don't appear in the millions.

[magnosis]

There is also an aesthetic aspect of having snails in an aquarium

Which is a negative for me.  Just my opinion - but I don't like looking at their underside on the front glass.. eek   

[Bloop]

I think they are better cleaners than plecos or catfish.. but that's my opinion... but eww.. yeah magnosis is right... I had a golden apple snail the size of a baseball and when it ate off the glass... *shudders* the mouth thing gave me the willies...

[Nyx]

Thanks all.