Here you will find a complete list of both the biggest and smallest terrarium snails, along with useful care and setup tips on how to keep them happy and healthy.
As well as covering tank requirements, temperature and humidity needs, and other essential details, you’ll also get expert advice on how to feed and care for your pet snails.
Closed terrariums are fascinating little worlds that encapsulate the beauty and balance of nature These self-sustaining ecosystems allow plants and small creatures to thrive in the enclosed space of a glass container But one question terrarium lovers often ponder is can snails happily live inside these miniature gardens? Let’s explore the nuances of bringing snails into the intricate microcosm of a sealed terrarium,
Understanding the Basics of Closed Terrariums
Before we dive into the specifics of snails, it’s helpful to understand what defines a closed terrarium. These tiny biomes mimic natural environments by creating a self-regulating system within a transparent vessel. The enclosure allows sunlight in to feed the plants while preventing humidity from escaping.
Closed terrariums strike a delicate balance between soil plants, water and air circulation. Too much of any one element can tip the scales, causing issues like mold or dead plants. When all components are balanced, the terrarium becomes a magical, thriving world that can persist for years with no maintenance.
The Sluggish Nature of Snails
Now that we’ve explored the finicky equilibrium of closed terrariums, how do we introduce slow-paced snails into these environments?
Snails tend to meander through life at a relaxed tempo. This matches poorly with the intricate choreography needed to maintain a balanced terrarium. We have to find creative ways to integrate the sluggish snail lifestyle into the terrarium’s ecosystem.
Tailoring the Terrarium Design for Snails
Certain adjustments can transform a closed terrarium into an inviting snail paradise. Here are some key steps:
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Use a soil mix with coco coir or moss to retain moisture and assist drainage. Snails require damp, not soggy, environments.
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Include snail-friendly terrarium plants like ferns, pilea, and peperomia that can withstand a slimy nibble.
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Allow airflow through a mesh top to prevent excess moisture. Airtight enclosures easily become too humid.
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Add calcium supplements to the soil so snails can maintain their shells.
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Include hiding spots and terrain elements that mimic the snails’ natural habitat.
The Ongoing Balancing Act
Even with a snail-friendly setup, maintaining equilibrium in a closed terrarium is an ongoing act. Issues like population explosions or shell deterioration can arise. Here are some potential challenges and fixes:
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Population Control: Snails are adept reproducers and can quickly overwhelm a terrarium. Remove extras to keep populations in check.
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Calcium Deficiency: Lack of calcium causes snail shells to erode. Occasionally dust food with calcium supplements.
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Slimy Plants: Although snails normally don’t damage live plants, they will snack on dying leaves. Remove any unsightly slime trails.
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Mold Growth: Excess moisture from snail activity can lead to mold. Open the terrarium temporarily to increase air circulation.
Finding the Snail Sweet Spot in a Closed Terrarium
Can snails survive in a closed terrarium? Absolutely! With careful tweaking and attentive observation, we can create an inviting snail sanctuary inside these tiny worlds. The key is finding the right balance between the terrarium’s delicate ecosystem and the particular needs of our slow-moving gastropod friends. Though it requires some extra effort, the whimsical addition of snails can bring an extra layer of life and magic to these mesmerizing miniature gardens.
Chocolate-band Snail (Eobania vermiculata)
The Chocolate–band Snail is a relatively small terrarium snail native to the Mediterranean region.
As its name implies, it has distinctive chocolate–brown lines along the middle of its shell that can vary in width from snail to snail.
These snails don’t get very large, usually measuring no more than 1 inch in length, making them an ideal choice for nano tanks.
Chocolate-band Snails are excellent scavengers and algae eaters, making them great for keeping a terrarium clean and tidy.
They also spend a lot of time out and about, exploring the tank and searching for food.
If you’re looking for more specifics on this land snail, here’s a full care guide on the Chocolate-band Snail (Eobania vermiculata).
Burgundy Snail (Helix pomatia)
Burgundy Snail is one of the more eye–catching terrarium snails, due to its stunning dark and purple markings.
They are moderately large, typically reaching sizes of up to 3 inches, so they won‘t be looked over in any terrarium.
While they are known to be quite hardy, they still require special consideration when it comes to their enclosure, as they will need plenty of substrates, air humidity, and adequate aeration of the water.
They are quite active and often can be seen crawling around decorations and across the sides of the glass.
If you’re looking for more specifics on this land snail, here’s a full care guide on the Burgundy Snail (Helix pomatia).
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FAQ
Can snails live in a closed jar?
If you still fear to suffocate the snails, you might consider to punch a hole into the lid, but still keep it closed. Unnecessary, as long as you keep living plants in the containment which regularly get some light, the snails will do fine.
Can you keep snails in a closed terrarium?
You cannot keep snails in a closed ecosystem. They need to be provided with food regularly (they need a diverse diet, including protein), they need ventilation, and you need to be able to search for and remove their eggs. Snails also cannot be kept in jars.
What animals can survive in a closed terrarium?
This habitat might include plants, fungi, lichens, isopods (such as pill bugs), beetles, spiders, earthworms, amphibians (such as salamanders), reptiles (such as turtles), crickets, and more.
How long do snails live in a terrarium?
Land Snails: Common garden snails like Cornu aspersum usually live 2-3 years, but with proper care, they can live up to 5-7 years in captivity. The larger Roman snail (Helix pomatia) can live up to 15 years.
Can snails live in a terrarium?
Before you decide to keep a snail as a pet, either by purchasing it or rescuing it from the wild, beware that not all species can survive in a terrarium. Only the various species of the terrestrial i.e. land snails can easily adapt to life in a terrarium. These terrarium snails are low-maintenance and may even appreciate being taken care of.
Can insects live in a closed terrarium?
Many types of insects, spiders, worms, snails and even flies can survive in a closed terrarium. Springtails, earthworms and woodlice are found in most closed terrariums. All three species provide a stable ecosystem and not for you to worry about. In general, insects also make a closed terrarium look much more lively, of course.
Are terrarium snails good pets?
Overall, terrarium snails make amazing pets and require minimal maintenance. Though they do need occasional attention to their living environment, they don’t require too much. With the right terrarium setup, care instructions, and a healthy diet, your air-breathing gastropods will be forever good to go.
What is a terrestrial snail terrarium?
Honestly, a terrestrial snail terrarium is a relatively simple setup. Unlike a reptile or insect terrarium, there’s no complicated lighting or heating tech required here. You just need a functional plant terrarium with enough space for them to move around, relax, and feed. Easy peasy.
Can you keep a snail in a jar?
The reason why it’ll be difficult to keep your snail in a jar: When you keep snails as pets, you have to understand that they need a mix of foods. This includes calcium and protein. This is why a snail will unlikely last in a jar. “I still want to use my jar terrarium, do I use an open terrarium or closed terrarium?”
Are grove snails terrarium snails?
If you’re looking for more specifics on this land snail, here’s a full care guide on the Grove Snail (Cepaea nemoralis). The garden snail is one of the most popular choices of terrarium snails due to its relatively common appearance compared to other species.