Sand

[bigmick474]

I've just changed to sand and was wondering how to "turn it".
I saw in another post that you can get snails which burrow in it so u dont have to touch it.
I cant find that post tho.
I'm after the easiest way to do it and thought that a natural way would be better.
If any one can help i would be greatful.
Thanks

 

[debiasir]

the snails you talk of are malasian trumpet snails (MTS), they go under the sand.

 

[Bloo]

I use a plain wooden chopstick to lightly "rake" it through the sand.
I *hate* snails
And with malasian trumpet snails, if you just overfeed a tad the multiply like there is no tomorrow!

 

[bigmick474]

the snails you talk of are malasian trumpet snails (MTS), they go under the sand.

would getting them mean i wouldn't have to turn the sand??

 

[Bloo]

in theory yes - however if you have large heavy rocks or decorations, I'd still lift them up every now and again and loosen the sand.

 

[bigmick474]

ok, thanks

 

[abstract]

i, too, use chopsticks!

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I just use my hands to stir up the sand

 

[Bloo]

i, too, use chopsticks!

fancy the odds of that !

 

[fishwatcher]

I have about 4-5 trumpet snails, a few I bought from a guy, the others were given to me when I asked for them at a PetSmart. I don't have any problem with them multiplying too quickly, but I like snails so it'd probably have to get WAY out of hand for me to get rid of them. Either way though, if it gets to be too many, just pick them out and throw/give them away. (Isn't it funny how we can throw snails away without thinking twice, but get offended if someone says that about fish? Just something that came to mind as I am writing this.) Anyway, I also turn (with a butterknife) under the big cave thing I have once every couple of weeks, just to be safe.