[somethingfishy]

Malaysian Trumpet snails are a good choice for a planted aquarium. They will eat algae but not plants. They still reproduce though so you will need to pluck them out every once and awhile.

I have only tried to keep plants once in an aquarium with no success. I think you brother may need some more lighting. Does he use any type of plant food?

I would suggest he snail dip his plants before putting them in the aquarium. Some snails will nip away at his lovely plants.