Q&A for How to Take Care of an Aquatic Snail

Acclimating aquatic snails to a new tank involves a water transfer method similar to that used for fish. If the snails arrive in bags, start by removing about half of the water and replacing it with display tank water every 10 minutes, repeating this process three or four times. This gradual transition helps the snails adjust to the new tank conditions. Once in the tank, ensure there are no predatory fish that may harm them. If the tank has algae on the rocks, the snails can feed on it as a natural food source. In the absence of algae, consider providing supplemental feed to sustain the snails.

For effective algae control in aquariums, consider employing tropic snails, as they excel at managing algae growth. Another excellent option is turbo snails, known for their proficient algae-cleaning capabilities. These snail varieties can be vital in maintaining a balanced and algae-free aquatic environment.

Some snails end up floating to the surface simply because air bubbles get trapped in their shells. This will work itself out eventually on its own if you're patient.

Around 1-2 weeks.

Sure, you can let it crawl on my hand for a bit, it won't bite at all.

Aquatic snails eat algae and plant matter. Some snails can also help keep fish tanks clean.

Take the snail by the shell, and gently move/wiggle it around until it lets go. Do not pull the snail off the wall. If you do that, you could harm it.

Water snails sometimes hibernate so don't worry, maybe it will take a few weeks or even months to awaken again. However, if it's a land snail, spray it with water and if it doesn't move after a few days, it's dead.

If it hangs limply out of its shell, it is dead.

The tank should be cleaned and the water changed once a week.

Mystery snails need to eat as much as they can consume in 1 to 3 minutes, twice daily. They do need calcium for healthy shells. You can give them a calcium supplement or simply use hard water so that their calcium needs are met.

It depends on the size of your tank. Do not exceed 20 snails per gallon of water.

Yes. I did it quite frequently. Some snails are more sensitive though, so double check how hardy your snails are. Malaysian trumpets are so hardy that they can survive out of water for 3 days or so, survive in freezing cold water for a week, boiling water for a good few hours, and can even survive a bleach bath.

Yes, but make sure you boil it first if you collect it from your backyard.

A filtration system is optional for snails. If you don't have a filtration system, you should change out about 20% of the tank water every 4-5 days. When you change the water, make sure you are using water treated with non-copper based aquarium conditioner or a similar product.This has worked successfully for stream snails.

Your snails should be visible in the water. Some snails are able to climb out of tanks that don't have a lid. It's possible your snails escaped from the tank.

No, you're thinking of hermit crabs.

Yes.

Calcium block, courgette, pepper, shrimp, pleco tablets.

Two to three algae wafers per day. Also, they will eat algae that's in the tank.

Snails shells start breaking apart because there is not enough calcium in the water. Try adding cuttlebone or eggshells for more calcium.

It is probably getting used to its environment, as it has just been moved to an entirely new place. It will slowly move out of its shell, but if it doesn't in a few days, pick it up and smell it. Yes, that is odd, but a dead snail will smell horrible. Don't continually poke or bother the snail, though.

No. Unlike hermit crabs, snail shells grow right along with the snails.

Not unless you dechlorinate it first: How to Dechlorinate Water

That snail is most likely a pond snail. They are considered pests, and might take over your aquarium.

Not for freshwater snails, no. However, saltwater snails will require aquarium salt properly mixed into the water.

Snails are generally hermaphrodites, meaning they can function as males or females.

It depends on the type of snail you purchase. Talk to a qualified expert at the pet store where you intend to purchase your snails.

It's best to talk to an aquarium and fish expert on a topic like this. Visit your local pet store and ask someone with a specialization in fish and aquatic management.

Fish shops do sell calcium blocks. If it's a snail-only tank, add one. if there are other greedy piggies in with them, add two. They also need some nice veggies.