snail help

[mdsnlwlsn]

i just got 9 snails, 5 margarita, 1 turbo and 3 astrea. it seems like one might be dead, its foot is pulled in and its not doing much of anything. i was wondering, how do you tell if a snail is dead? what lighting should i have for them? is there enough food for them on the live rock/sand (30g tanks, 40lb rock) one is on the heater, is that bad for it? i just want to make sure theyll all be ok, theyre really cute. thanks!

 

[mfdrookie516]

Not doing much of anything doesn't sound dead. Not doing anything at all would make me more suspicious. IME, smell is the best indicator of dead things like clams and snails. Once you smell it, you'll know that it's dead if it is.

 

[Hyprviperx]

it happens from time to time to get one that is not too well off. they can die or are sometimes just stressed, how long have you had them. the one on the heater will get off if it doesnt want to be there. watch the astreas as they are prone to falling off the glass and not being able to flip back over.... usually you will know if a snail is dead because it doesnt move and hermits usually congregate around it to clean it up... they should have plenty to eat as long s your tanks is cycled properly. what kind of other tank inhabitants do you have?

 

[mdsnlwlsn]

oh good advice I'll definitely give it a sniff. so far I only have snails. the store was out of crabs when I went there but I'll probably get some tomorrow. I'm probably worrying too much I was just surprised to see them so inactive compared to when I put them in but I suppose it makes sense thy would be excited to check out their new surroundings. noob lessons!

 

[mdsnlwlsn]

2 seem to be dead. they have been completely inactive since yesterday and the hermits are going at them now. do i remove or let the crabs chow down? i dont have any fish or coral yet.. is the protocol remove everything dead asap?

 

[Hyprviperx]

if the tank is well cycled it shouldnt be a problem, if its new it depends on the size of your tank. if you have a small tank i would remove them so they dont cause a nitrate spike, if a large tank then id just let the hermits have their way with them.... the small hermits will use the shells when they out grow their current one if the snails is bigger, ive had some smaller hermits use the astrea shells and some of the large hermits have taken the turbo shells to use. need a little more info on your setup