Why do your aquarium snails try to get out of the water?

Aquatic snails are usually more than content to stay submerged, but terrestrial and semi-aquatic varieties occasionally need to come up for air. Snails don't have lungs like humans. Instead, some species take in oxygen through gills covered by a unique fold called the mantle cavity, while others use their skin.

Terrestrial snails don't live exclusively in water, so coming up for air is common behavior for them. Semi-aquatic varieties, like the apple snail, typically reside in ponds or marshes where they can access both air and water. In aquarium settings, semi-aquatic snails sometimes emerge to explore their surroundings.

A Change In Water Quality

Snails are incredibly sensitive to water conditions, making them popular candidates for testing the quality of water. If they start trying to leave their tank, this might indicate an imbalance in the water that irritates them or causes them discomfort.

Specifically, if the water is too acidic, which means it has a low pH level, snails might attempt to escape or become sluggish. They may also exhibit a loss of appetite or reduced activity levels.

Temperature Stress

Snails can also become sensitive to water temperatures outside their preferred range. If the water in the aquarium is either too hot or too cold, the snail may try to leave to find a more comfortable climate.

Apple and mystery snails, for example, are tropical species accustomed to warm temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below this range, they might try to climb up the sides of their tank or find other ways to get out of the water to seek warmth.

Insufficient Food Sources

Snails are generally scavengers, meaning they're not picky eaters and can thrive on various food sources in the aquarium. However, if they don't have access to enough food to satisfy their needs, they might explore other locations to find edible material.

Some common snail foods include algae, fish food, and decaying plant matter. If your tank doesn't provide a sufficient quantity or variety of these food sources, the snails might try to escape in search of sustenance.

Overcrowding

Cramped living conditions can stress any aquatic creature, including aquarium snails. If the snail population in your tank becomes too dense, they might attempt to escape to find a less crowded environment.

Population control is essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem within the tank. Overpopulation can strain resources such as food and oxygen and lead to unhealthy living conditions for the snails.

Preventing Aquarium Snails From Escaping

Once you've identified the reason why your snails try to escape, you can take steps to prevent it. Here are some tips:

Ensure proper water conditions: Maintain the correct pH level and water temperature based on the specific requirements of your snail species.

Provide adequate food sources: Offer a varied diet of algae, fish food, and decaying plant matter. Ensure the food is available in sufficient quantity to meet the needs of the snail population.

Control overcrowding: Monitor the number of snails in the tank and remove excess snails to prevent overcrowding.

Provide hiding places: Offer shelter and hiding spots for the snails to reduce stress.

Cover the tank: Use a cover or lid to prevent snails from crawling out of the tank.