please answer! making fresh substrate mix

[kkira]

hi friends,

i don’t know if this forum is used much anymore, but i need a straight answer to this because reddit won’t give me one.

i’m freshening up my snail habitat. the soil NEEDS some new substrate; the existing substrate is soaked to the bone & filled with snail waste — it smells terrible. yes, i know, i’m working on getting springtails & a drainage layer.

Q: HOW MUCH OF THE OLD SUBSTRATE NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED to prevent my snail from becoming sick? 20% old / 80% new? thoughts?

thank you friends

@ kkira

[Rasplutin]

Hello,

if the current soil is soaked, filled with snail waste and smells terrible you should consider a 100% replace!

[saralicious0517]

What is the current substrate that you have? The recommended for most species of land snail is coco coir. It comes in a dry brick form and you can break off chunks and save the rest for later use. I also put some sphagnum moss along the back length of the tank to hold moisture. It's never advised to replace 100% of the substrate because the snails need the organisms in their soil to help with digestion. I would say at least 20%-30% old and thoroughly mix with the new. Once you mix it the smell should dissipate.

[bluejay]

I also recomend a totally new substrate, if the smell is horrible something must be rotten in there. And clean your terrarium with warm water. Don't use detergent or soap, just scrub it well.

For substrate:

I usually place a layer of aquarium activated carbon/charcoal in the bottom of the terrarium, the one used in filters. It's a common practice in tropical terrarium settings. It will help absorb toxic substances and prevent fungi growth and bad smells. Of course, it doesn't replace good hygiene and it will need to be fully replaced next time you do a good clean-up and replace the substrate.

As for the substrate itself, I use coconut hair fiber (aka coconut coir). As most people here do, I think. Just be sure it's pesticide free; the one I use is for organic gardening, with no added fertilizers or pesticides, but there's also brands for reptile terrariums. On the top layer I use sphagnum moss also sold for tropical frog terrariums.

Finally, as a bonus, I also have leaf litter in a corner. But be careful of pesticides and pollution... I use dry leaves specially sold for aquariums (they're recommended for discus, bettas and shrimps).

I hope this helps.