Alum And Snail Removal

Hey All,

I would like to kill the snails on my new plants before introducing to my display tank.
I figure that I should use Alum as I find its gentler than other treatments like bleach, h202 and salt.
There are a few questions that I've got though.

1) I'm wondering about the dosages and durations.
some folks say I should dose 3 TBS per gallon for 4 hours to be rid of the snails and the eggs.
others say dose 1 TBS per gallon for 3 days to kill the snails and eggs.
I know I could test this out but I would like to hear some success stories?

2) If it were practical and economical, should I provide Light, CO2 and Ferts for my plans while soaking 3 days in Alum?
Surely it would be better for the plant to have a running metabolism with light, CO2 and ferts during a 3 day soak?
The plant would be dependent on its fuel reservoir during a 3 day soak without light. Then it melts if the fuel reservoir runs out?

 

Will they run out of snails to eat at some point?
if they do, then what will they live on later?
bio-load is greatly reduced some time after introduction of assassin snails?