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I want to put something in my 20gal planted tank in case I get snails.

it's not a loach, but i've found that dwarf puffers *love* snails, and will eat them from all heights of the tank. i've found them hard to care for though, and eventually all 6 of mine died

The only way snails will get into your tank is if you add plants with them, or their eggs on.

I have a couple of skunk botia which love snails. Others include the clown load, but beware clown loads can grow to 18 inches long and live longer than a dog or cat.

Try looking under loach in the fresh water profile section

yoyo loaches get to 4inches but I have heard of them being semi agressive in groups less than 4. kuhlii generally won't eat snails. clown loaches are a bad idea since they prefer a group of 6 and get very large. Those are the only loaches I see regularly here. It would probably be best to see what your lfs carries then ask if anyone has experienced them eating snails. 2nd way is just to dip all your plants in a solution that kills snails and eggs before putting them in your tank. Most healthy plants will survive a quick dip in a dilute bleach solution or even better use potassium permangenate.

Try Botia sidthimunki. I posted some topics on this very species which you should find informative!

Hang on, I'll get the links ...

Try this one!

http://www.fishprofiles.com/interactive/forums/thread.asp?id=41058&did=387375

Enjoy!

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

I have a couple of skunk botia which love snails. Others include the clown load, but beware clown loads can grow to 18 inches long and live longer than a dog or cat.

i hope your talking about a clown loach.

Anyways.. it is VERY VERY VERY VERY rare to get a 18" clown loach.... maby 13" but not 18.