Astrea Snail questions

[RockingCricket]

A few questions regarding the Astrea Snails in my clean up crew.

- Can they walk (slip/slide/whatever) on substrate? - Those who began their time in my tank on the substrate 2 days ago, appear to STILL be on the substrate in the same position.
- Can they right themselves if laying on their back?
- Do they have any special requirements?

As always, thanks in advance guys.

 

[Henry22]

I have one astrea snail and he is never in the sand, Always high up on the rocks or glass(my rock touches the glass). Ive never seen him go form rock to glass to know if he goes down to the sand and up the glass or straight from rock to glass. I would put them all on the rocks and see what they do.

 

[KahluaZzZ]

astrea snails can easily fall on their back and will not be able to turn around, and if you don't help them they might die. They don't have special requirements except algae to eat. They do walk on the substrate sometimes.

 

[RockingCricket]

Thankyou both guys. Looks like I'm gonna have to get my arms wet then.

 

[KahluaZzZ]

yep..but beside that, they are extremely good glass cleaners and grow a lot..
If your snails are not moving for one day or 2 you better check your nitrates levels..they are sensitive to more than 35 ppm of nitrates.

 

[lordroad]

I've only had to turn my astrea snail rightside up in the first week I've had them. So I think they will be fine for the long run, with no worries.

What I use is a wooden shiskebob skewer to turn them about. Minimal hands getting wet, job is done in a matter of seconds.

 

[RockingCricket]

I have a length of hard pvc tubing that make use of to minimise wet fingers.
I believe I read that snails may remain stationary for a few days when entering the system. I move them to my rock work all the same and check on my water parameters.