Q&A for How to Set Up a Natural Environment for Pet Snails

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  • Question
    Where do I get a pet snail?
    Community Answer
    You can get pet snails from some pet stores. You can also find wild ones outside in a garden or a park.
  • Question
    If I don't have a snail heat mat what do I use?
    Erik Petrovich
    Community Answer
    You can keep the snail out of the sun but use a low-power heating lamp instead of a heating mat.
  • Question
    I had a pet snail, but the soil soon started to smell. How can I fix that?
    Community Answer
    The first thing you can do is change the soil; there may be too many feces in it. The other thing you can do is make sure there is no mold. Not only is mold not ideal for snail tank, it could make your tank smell bad. Take out any old food that was not finished. Make sure the area that your snail is in is well ventilated.
  • Question
    I have a rock yard and no good soil, what should I use?
    Kendal Davis
    Community Answer
    Just buy some soil with no chemicals and stuff. You could try Reptisoil, it's a soil specifically for critter habitats.
  • Question
    How can you tell if a snail is a boy or a girl?
    Elliot
    Community Answer
    Snails are hermaphrodite, in other words, they are both girl and boy. Don't waste your time trying to find the sex, as they are both. This means if you have two snails you will probably get eggs.
  • Question
    Can I get soil for my snails without going to the pet store?
    Elliot
    Community Answer
    Yes, gardening stores and hardware stores will have potting soil which is great for snails. Just make sure the soil you are buying doesn't have pesticides in it.
  • Question
    I have 3 snails 2 go on the top, that is normal. 1 stays on the bottom but he is not dead, is he sick?
    Elliot
    Community Answer
    All of your snails are probably fine. Snails love climbing, so the two that climb want to climb and the one at the bottom may just not want to climb. Another reason could be that the two snails on top may not like the substrate but that is unlikely.
  • Question
    You said it was OK to use potting soil , then later you said not to use potting soil . What is the true answer?
    Elliot
    Community Answer
    The true answer is potting soil is perfectly fine for snails. Snails can be perfectly happy and healthy with potting soil. Just make sure the soil doesn't contain pesticides or anything that will harm your snail.
  • Question
    Is tap water bad for snails? If so, can I used regular bottled water? Does the brand matter?
    Elliot
    Community Answer
    Tap water can contain chlorine, which doesn't affect us but can harm your snail. Freshen up the water by either leaving it out for 2 days to let the chlorine dissipate or buy Seachem prime water conditioner. You can buy bottled water too but make sure it is spring water.
  • Question
    My snail often hides under his moss––why is this?
    Nevaeh Ruiz
    Community Answer
    That moss could be like his little blanket or he feels safe under there.
  • Question
    Is it bad to put a snail in a very small container?
    Nevaeh Ruiz
    Community Answer
    Yes, putting a snail in a very small container will cause stress. Use a tank or a bigger container like at least a foot long.
  • Question
    I only have potting soil, will that do?
    Loulouishere
    Community Answer
    No, the chemicals could harm your snails. Look for soil outside that has not been exposed to chemicals.
  • Question
    Do snails need a light for their habitat?
    Loulouishere
    Community Answer
    No, they are fine in a place that is out of direct sunlight, but gets general light during the day.
  • Question
    You mention pH a lot, what is a safe/optimal range?
    Em Davis
    Community Answer
    A regulated pH range for most fish is 6.5 to 8.5, but these numbers can vary for different species. Try searching online for the healthy PH level for a specific fish or asking at a local pet store.
  • Question
    Are snails very sensitive to chemicals?
    Community Answer
    Snails do not respond to weak chemicals, but if there are some strong types in their environment, they'll produce slime.
  • Question
    What kind of heating source does a garden snail need?
    OOEHS STORY CLUB
    Community Answer
    As long as the tank is kept moist, many garden snails will be fairly resilient when it comes to temperatures. However, they will be most active and safe at room temperature. Keep them in the shade during hot weather, and avoid exposing them to freezing temperatures.
  • Question
    How do snails get water?
    OOEHS STORY CLUB
    Community Answer
    Like most living creatures, both land and water snail species need to drink water to survive. Land snails drink from small puddles formed on leaves or on the ground, but they also get their water from the juicy leaves they eat. Method 3, Step 1 recommends you mist the tank regularly to provide moisture to them, though they'll also get water from the fruits and vegetables you feed them.
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