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Post by galsforpals on Jan 10, 2022 22:09:08 GMT
I'm wanting to create a list of every possible safe substrate for snails.
I'm aware that Coco coir is the best recommended type; it's what I currently use for my small spirals, but wanted to know what others have used or what to people can avoid .
I'll add any additions as they are commented l/ I find them elsewhere recommended
Recommended:
- coconut coir
- moss
Needs confirming as I have no idea yet:
- moss (types?)
- leaf litter (types?)
- wood chips
- bark flakes
- paper (pellets, shredded etc?)
Avoid:
- Sand (as hard to dig?)
-rocks/anything hard to avoid climbing accidents
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MaSlugBoi
Archachatina marginata
Previously cared for a leopard slug and now I have a couple Cepea Nemoralis
Posts: 22 
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Post by MaSlugBoi on Jan 11, 2022 6:05:29 GMT
I've heard some people use potting soil, but the type of potting soil is very important bc you don't want any toxic additives in your substrate. Potting soil is also normally not sterilized beforehand, so you would need to heat treat it before use. It's not really recommended to use it, but it's not impossible to find one that works I suppose.
Soil found outdoors is also sometimes used after being heat treated, but there's so many different chemicals that could have ended up on that soil at some point, I personally wouldn't risk it unless it comes from a very natural source. PH levels are also a crapshoot as you don't want something too acidic or basic. The clay/sand/silt ratio in the soil also depends on the place you found it, which could affect how well it drains or how easy it is for snails to burrow in. I would think a sandy loam would be ideal, but that's just speculation on my part.
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Post by galsforpals on Jan 11, 2022 14:32:30 GMT
I've heard some people use potting soil, but the type of potting soil is very important bc you don't want any toxic additives in your substrate. Yeah, the thought of it being superloaded with what plants (potassium, nitrates etc) need would terrify me ha. I'm curious what owners of albino snails do to avoid staining from substrate or if that's just an inevitable occurance. |
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Post by SuspiciousBagel on Jan 15, 2022 21:03:42 GMT
I've heard some people use potting soil, but the type of potting soil is very important bc you don't want any toxic additives in your substrate. Yeah, the thought of it being superloaded with what plants (potassium, nitrates etc) need would terrify me ha. I'm curious what owners of albino snails do to avoid staining from substrate or if that's just an inevitable occurance. Hello!! Albino snail owner here!! Its pretty inevitable, but not very noticeable so it personally doesn't bother me. Only way you could stop it is if you just.. didn't keep your snails on substrate which of course one shouldn't do. Here's a picture of Squidge from a few days ago happily chomping down on some parsnip. You can see the edges of their foot are slightly stained and yellowish.  Here's baby Squidge for comparison, where you can see they are a much cleaner, milky white colour. I suppose the staining just becomes more prevalent overtime.  |
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Post by counterbalance on Jan 16, 2022 11:03:48 GMT
SuspiciousBagel, Squidge is so beautiful!
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Post by SuspiciousBagel on Jan 16, 2022 11:56:44 GMT
SuspiciousBagel, Squidge is so beautiful! Thank you so much!  |
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Post by galsforpals on Jan 19, 2022 19:27:50 GMT
Ahhh I forgot I posted this, so cool to see everyone's reply
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