How Do You Breed Fish Tank Snails?

Breeding fish tank snails takes very little effort on the owner's part. However, the owner can help the breeding process along by setting the right mood. A humid environment with readily available food will spark the snails into breeding. Once the eggs are fertilized, the female snail will crawl above the waterline and deposit her eggs. The egg clusters look like tiny pink balls. The eggs will hatch between two and four weeks. The newly hatched snails will fall into the water and begin their life.

Things You'll Need

  • Vinegar
  • Sponge
  • Snail food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all living creatures, decorations and water from the aquarium. Rinse the decorations and the aquarium with vinegar and wipe everything down with a sponge. Rinse all the items thoroughly with water and dry them.

    • 2

      Fill the aquarium with water, leaving 3 to 6 inches of space from the top. Replace the decorations and creatures. Place the aquarium in a humid area. Snails are more likely to breed in humid locations.

    • 3

      Purchase snails for the aquarium. Buy snails from a reputable pet store or dealer, choosing only snails with solid shells. Snails with broken shells can carry diseases. Snails you find in your pond or yard may also carry diseases and should be avoided.

    • 4

      Place the snails in the aquarium and feed them daily. Snails like to feed on lettuce leaves, peas and fish food -- the kind of food that sinks. Keep the water clean and warm, feeding the snails regularly to help the breeding process.

    • 5

      Some snails deposit their eggs in the water. Regardless of where the snail lays its egg, do not move them.