2. I've been reading that snails reproduce and can easily takeover
a tank. The best way to keep them in check is to put in a fish
who'll eat them. Loaches are the ones suggested the most often.
Loaches can get too big and they tend to be aggressive. I'm afraid
they will harm my little fish. Is there a loach who won't grow too
big and will work for my tank? I really don't want to poison the
snails or crush the babies.

I have 10g with live plants and got an enomous amount of snails that
hitched a ride on the plant. I tried a skunk botia and he worked great.
He gets only a few inches, unlike the Clowns, some of which I've seen
at about 12 inches. Having a cave for him to hind in during the time
when the lights are on is a must.

Good luck with the snails,
Evan Davis