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I've wanted them for a long time. From what I've read online, these snails can be quite beneficial by keeping the gravel clean. Today, I believe I saw some at Walmart.

1. How do I know if they are really MTS? Are there snails that looks just like MTS but is not MTS?

2. How would they contribute to the bioload?

3. Do they keep the substrate clean regardless of the substrate size?

I'm not sure on the identification, but I can answer the other two questions. They will add to the bioload, of course; a single snail might not add a lot, but since you will probably have a lot of snails in due time, there will be more bioload because of this. AFAIK, snails do not actively clean the substrate, they merely turn it over by their natural behavior of digging through it, which prevents materials from getting stuck in the substrate. I believe they dig best in sand, I don't think they move quite as well (or even at all) through gravel.

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

I took a picture:
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/6731/mts02hr2.jpg
I am pretty sure it's MTS but I would like confirmation. They are about 11mm.

I haven't decided if I want them yet. How long could they survive in a 1-gallon bucket?