How to Care for Trap Door Snails

In the context of aquariums, the term trapdoor snail usually refers to the Japanese trapdoor snail (Viviparus malleatu). These snails make hardy, tolerant aquarium inhabitants with simple needs. Trapdoor snails are also useful in keeping algae under control without being much of a threat to aquatic plants. They are peaceful creatures and pose no threat whatsoever to fish or invertebrates in a tank.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon or larger tank with light
  • Gravel
  • Rocks
  • Filter
  • Aquatic plants
  • Fish pellets
  • Vegetables
  • Gravel cleaner with tube
  • Bucket
  • Nitrate test kits
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a freshwater aquarium with gravel, rocks, a filter and aquatic plants. You don̵7;t need a heater for trapdoor snails unless you keep them with tropical fish. They tolerate a wide temperature range, from 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 2

      Allow the tank to cycle for at least a week. To cycle your tank, have the light on for 12 hours a day, to support the plants, and turn on the filter but do not introduce any animals. Cycling allows populations of essential microorganisms to become established.

    • 3

      Introduce the trapdoor snails. As they are not hermaphrodites, if you want to breed them you̵7;ll need several to get at least one male and one female. Bear in mind though that they are big snails ̵1; sometimes reaching a length of two inches ̵1; and don̵7;t introduce a large number to a small tank.

    • 4

      Feed the snails extra food several times a week. They might not find all they need in the tank. Fish pellets and vegetables are suitable foods. Judge how much to feed by how much the snails eat. If they leave any food after a day, feed less next time. If they consume everything, provide a little more the next time or feed more frequently.

    • 5

      Remove 10 to 25 percent of the tank water every week using the gravel cleaner and bucket. Replace with fresh, dechlorinated water. Siphon up debris as well as water to keep the tank clean.

    • 6

      Conduct weekly nitrate tests. Nitrate levels in an aquarium should be close to zero. Only a little is needed for algal growth for the snails. If levels rise above 25 ppm, conduct larger or more frequent water changes.