Salt And Snails

[AstonN24vantage]

Hello. As recently directed by my dad, i have been using a little bit of salt in my water changes for a 30 gallon fresh tank. Today, while adding water and chemicals, i added salt. It made it to the bottom, but not watching where i was aiming the salt, it hit a snail. I have recently heard that salt hitting a fish can burn it. So, i quickly moved the snail out of the area that he was in. will he be okay? will the salt affect him?

 

[Katty]

If its still moving around, it should be fine. The effects of salt on a snail are pretty immediate. Next time, dissolve the salt first in a cup of tank water, it's much safer.

 

[AstonN24vantage]

well, he is still sticking to the rocks, so that is a good sign. He hasn't moved much, but he has moved. I'm not sure if it has always looked this way but his shell might be a slightly whiter colour on one side than it is on the other, however, i will keep you guys updated

 

[Katty]

The damage would occur on the flesh of the snail, not the shell. Its because the salt draws out the water in the snail's skin and flesh through osmosis so easily that salt is dangerous to snails and slugs.

 

[AstonN24vantage]

well i am happy to say he looks okay, he doesn't seem to be too active but then again he is a snail and i haven't gotten much time to stare at my tank for a while. He is definitely better than he was yesterday though.

 

[AstonN24vantage]

they actually look excellent after a week...those snails really knocked the wind out of me!