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Snails In Vivariums

Are you looking for a small exotic pet that is lowmaintenance, easy to care for, and full of personality?

Pet snails may be the perfect fit for you!

In this definitive guide, we‘ll provide all the information you need to know about snails as pets.

We will include tips for setting up their enclosure, offer full care guides, and present a list of cute snails worth keeping.

Let‘s dive in and explore the wonderful world of pet snails!

The Best Types Of Pet Snails

Many snails can make great pets due to their low-maintenance requirements, unpredictable personalities, and variety of colors and sizes.

There are mainly two types of snails most people consider keeping as a pet; aquatic snails and land snails. These snails will require specific types of vivariums.

Aquatic snails are more suitable for aquariums or ripariums. They are usually small and easy to care for, and they can help keep your enclosure clean by eating algae and debris.

Land snails are more suitable for terrariums. These snails are equally as entertaining, and they can come in a range of sizes.

It’s common to refer to these types of gastropods as terrarium snails and aquarium snails. Paludariums can easily house both types of pet snails.

Create the perfect home for your snails with our Customizable Snail Enclosure Kits, designed to meet all their habitat needs.

Customizable Land Snail Terrarium Kit | Bantam-V2 Gastro

Terrarium Snails As Pets

Terrarium snails are a great addition to tanks that have enough dry land space for inhabitants to establish themselves on.

They can help keep the terrarium clean by eating algae and decaying material, and they can also provide a unique decorative element.

When choosing a type of terrarium snail, its important to select one that is compatible with the other animals in the terrarium, as some species may be aggressive.

Its also essential to choose a species that is wellsuited to the environment in the terrarium, as some species require high humidity and others require a drier ecosystem.

Find the perfect pet snail for your next terrarium build with our curated list of care guides below:

Aquarium Snails As Pets

Aquarium snails are a great addition to tanks that have enough aquatic space for them to swim and establish themselves.

They can help keep the aquarium clean by eating algae and debris, and they can also provide a unique decorative element.

When choosing a type of aquarium snail, it’s also a good idea to select one that is compatible with the other animals in the tank.

It’s also essential to choose a species that is well-suited to the environment in the aquarium, as some species require things like high salinity and others require a lower salinity.

Find the perfect pet snail for your next aquarium build with our curated list of care guides below:

Best Type Of Pet Snail Enclosures

When it comes to choosing an enclosure for your pet snail, its important to consider the type of snail youre keeping.

Aquarium snails require an aquarium with a lid, a filter, and plenty of live aquatic plants. A 10gallon tank should be sufficient for most species.

For land snails, a terrarium is the ideal habitat. Make sure to include plenty of calciumrich substrates, a humidifier, and a few hiding spots.

Both aquatic and non-aquatic snails should also have access to food, such as algae wafers, vegetables, and fruits.

With the right enclosure, your pet snail will feel right at home.

Best Snail Substrate

The type of substrate you choose for your pet snail is important for their overall health and happiness.

Aquatic snails need a substrate that is easy to burrow as well as scavenge through and won’t cloud the water, such as aquarium gravel or sand.

For terrarium snails, a calcium-rich substrate is recommended, as it helps keep their shells strong and healthy.

Popular substrates for land snails include light terrarium soil mixes, moss, and leaf litter. Make sure to change the substrate regularly to keep it clean and free of bacteria.

Our Bioactive Land Snail Substrate Blend is specially formulated to meet the needs of various land snail species, providing an optimal balance of moisture and nutrients.

Land Snail Substrate Mix For Terrariums | Bantam.Earth

Best Plants For Snails

Plants are essential for both aquatic and land snails, as they provide shelter and hiding spots, as well as a source of food.

Aquarium snails will thrive in tanks filled with live plants, such as java fern or anubias.

For land snails, tropical terrarium plants are great for the highly humid environments most snails thrive.

Additionally, any type of low-light terrarium plant will do well with pet snails since they don’t like bright setups.

Live plants in general are beneficial for keeping the air clean and providing extra oxygen.

How To Set Up A Basic Snail Habitat

This step-by-step guide provides all the information you need to know about setting up the perfect pet snail habitat.

From choosing the right enclosure to adding the necessary substrates, accessories, and food, well provide all the details you need to ensure your pet gastropod is set up for success.

How To Set Up A Basic Snail Habitat
Total Time Needed: 30 minutes

Materials:

- Enclosure
- Snails
- Substrate/Soil
- Filter (for aquariums)
- Live plants
- Decoration (hiding spots)
- Water dish (for terrariums)
- Snail food

Steps to a successful snail culture

Step 1: Choose the Right Enclosure:
Start by selecting the right enclosure for your pet snail. If you’re keeping an aquatic snail, you’ll need an enclosure that can hold volumes of water with a lid and a filter. For land snails, any standard tank will be an ideal habitat.
Step 2:Add Suitable Substrates:
Aquatic snails typically need a light substrate, such as gravel or sand. For land snails, calcium-rich substrates, such as standard soil mixes, should be added.
Step 3: Add Plants & Decoration:
Pet snails need plenty of live plants as well as plenty of hiding spots. Land snails may need an additional humidifier to help keep their enclosure moist.
Step 4: Set Up Lighting:
Strategically apply lighting in a way that allows plants to grow while not eliminating hiding spaces. Timers are great for setting up consistent day/night intervals.
Step 5: Don't Forget The Food & Water:
Aquatic snails need a source of food, such as algae wafers, vegetables, and fruits. Land snails need a shallow dish of water as well as similar foods.
Step 6: Monitor & Adjust:
Monitor your pet snail’s enclosure to ensure it’s meeting their needs. If necessary, adjust the temperature, humidity, and light levels to ensure your pet snail is comfortable.

Proper Pet Snail Care

Proper pet snail care is essential for keeping pet snails. Aquarium snails should be provided with a varied diet of algae, vegetables, and fruits.

Land snails need a diet high in calcium, so make sure to offer calcium-rich foods frequently.

Both aquatic and land snails should also have access to fresh water that’s clean and regularly changed.

Additionally, it’s important to keep the entire enclosure clean to prevent any health issues.

Moisture & Humidity

Humidity and moisture are very important factors for our terrarium-based slimy companions.

Land snails require a humid environment to keep their shells from drying out.

Without enough humidity, their shells can become brittle and cracked, making them prone to infection and other health issues.

To increase the humidity in the enclosure, you can use a humidifier or mist the enclosure with water daily.

This will ensure that your pet snail is kept in a safe and comfortable environment at all times.

Feeding & Supplementation

If your pet snails enclosure doesnt provide enough food on its own, youll need to supplement its diet with additional food sources.

All snails should be fed a variety of vegetables and fruits, as well as algae wafers.

Land snails will additionally benefit from a calciumrich diet, consider adding small amounts of cuttlebone powder over their offerings.

Both types of snails should be fed once or twice a week.

I recommend feeding your snails only what they can consume in a few hours to prevent overfeeding and contamination.

Click the image below to learn more about my DIY snail food recipe and best choices.

Identify & Treat Stress

Identifying and treating stress in pet snails will lead to longevity and more severe issues down the line.

Signs of stress can include sluggishness, excessive hiding, and decreased appetite.

If you suspect your pet snail is stressed, its important to take steps to reduce the stress.

This might include providing a larger enclosure, more hiding places, or a more varied diet.

Treating signs of stress early on can help reduce potential illness and keep your pet snail healthy longer.

Conclusion

Pet snails can make great companions for those looking for an entertaining and lowmaintenance pet.

With the right enclosure and care, your pet snail can live a long and happy life.

This guide provides all the information you need to know about pet snails, including full care guides, enclosure setups, and a list of 18 cute snails worth keeping.

So, if youre looking for a unique pet that‘s full of personality, pet snails may be the perfect fit for you!

Create the ideal habitat for your snails with our species-specific soil mixes and Insect Enclosure Kits. These products provide everything you need for a successful and thriving snail habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, snails can make good pets. They require minimal care and are not as demanding as other pets. They also do not require a lot of space or equipment.

No, snails are relatively inexpensive to keep. They require a small tank, some food, and some calcium supplements. You may also need to invest in some accessories, such as a sponge filter, heater, and air pump. All in all, the cost of setting up and maintaining a snail tank is relatively low.

Depending on the species, some pet snails can live for for more than 10 years if given proper care.

No, pet snails should not be released into the wild. This can be dangerous for both the snail and the environment, as pet snails may spread diseases or compete with native species for resources.

In order to care for a pet snail, you will need a terrarium or aquarium, a lid, substrates such as soil, peat moss, or coconut fiber, water and food dishes, and a variety of items for enrichment such as rocks, logs, and plants. You will also need a calcium supplement to help keep land snails’ shells healthy.

Yes, snails can bond with humans. They can become accustomed to their owners and may even enjoy being handled. However, they may not show affection in the same way as other pets like cats and dogs.

Yes, you can hold a pet snail if you want. Just make sure you do it carefully so you don‘t hurt the snail.

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