Habitat + Calcium

[sas02]

Hey, I have a storage box with substrate, two pots and water pots for the snails to drink from and bathe. I have helix Aspersas for the most part. I want to decorate the box and make it more lively and I used to have a smaller container with a stick and a pinecone but after some time in constant humidity I found wood mites on them. Do any of you know any good decor and fun things for the snails to climb and crawl on without ever catching mites? I also should add that where I live getting plants appropriate for terrariums is ver rare to impossible so I would eliminate that choice.

I also have some concerns about a snail’s calcium intake. Some people say spray it on food and some people say don’t. So who do you think is right based on your experiences. And if it’s better to just make the calcium available instead of on food, should I put powder on a jar lid and leave it in there?

I know it’s a lot to ask for😅 but I would appreciate some help on these minor issues

Thank you all and have a great day

[SuspiciousBagel]

Hi sas02, sorry for this being such a late reply on your post.
Regarding tank decor:
- I know you said you probably can't get plants but this is a useful thread to go off if you ever get the opportunity! petsnails.proboards.com/thread/7851/safe-plants-tanks plastic plants also work, just none made with fabrics as these aren't safe for snails.
- Regarding your stick, if you go for more of them you can try to sterilise them byputting them in the oven at like 150 Celscius for 20 minutes or in the freezer for a couple days, or both. Just don't burn it in the oven like i did the first time i tried it, don't think the snails will appreciate it lol. It'll kill pretty much anything on there though. Make sure the wood you use is safe and won't be treated with pesticides or anything and is hardwood as softwood is generally a no-go. Pinecones I'm not so sure about as they come from pine which is toxic to snails.
- Moss makes a fun addition to a tank and has the advantage of increasing humidity as it retains moisture. Sphagnum moss or any 'reptile' moss you see will do fine. I'd be careful taking moss from outside as you can't exactly sterilise it without killing it, or things that aren't intended for use with animals as they may be treated with chemicals harmful to snails.

Regarding calcium intake:
Snails self regulate on calcium so it should be separate from food. If you put it on the food they will be forced to eat it and you risk them overdosing on it causing improper shell growth, hypercalcemia and calcified organs. Not fun! You're much better off just keeping their calcium source away from their food, with calcium always available. Snails don't often need it if they're adults but it should still be given even if it doesn't look like they use it. Ideal calcium sources would be calcium carbonate powder or cuttlefish bones. Eggshells work as a temporary source but are not sufficient in calcium content
to be used long-term.

Hope this helps some! Feel free to ask any other questions you have!