Keeping Apple Snail In Tank

[BryceHockey]

I soon will be getting a Golden Apple Snail for my 46 gallon aquarium. From what I read, they can breathe out of water (laying their eggs on the tank lid), and sometimes fall out of the tank after climbing.

Is it necessary to cover up any openings in the lid, and if so what material do you use for this? I thought of taping some extra screen over the outside of the lid, there is an opening for the filter inlet and outlet. Whatever I do needs to be subtle though as this is in the living room (although I believe the light box will block this area from sight).

Edit: Also thought of another question that worried me, once read a post that said it is risky to have an unprotected heater because the snail could burn itself. My heater is one that suctions onto the glass, is this dangerous?

Thanks in advance!

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

You do need to cover all openings in your tank. I have poly pockets (i.e. think pieces of plastic) over the holes, held with selotape.

I don't know about a heater though.

 

[ashemely]

I would think that if you can touch your heater without getting burnt or shocked then your snails should be fine. My heater suctions onto the glass, too, it also has a glass 'case' around the actual heating unit. I have sulawesi snails in my cherry tank, and both the cherries and snails will perch on the heater and clean whatever micro film may be on it. I suppose that if or when they get too hot on the heater, they just drop off.

 

[Curiosity101]

Mine have never been hurt by the heater. And you'd be surprised how fast they can react.
I've seen mine regularly let go of whatever surface they're on within a split second if threatened.

 

[BryceHockey]

Alright that's comforting to know, thanks all.

I took some old screen (from a screen door), cut it to the right size and made slots for the filter tubes to go by. Then taped the edges so that they wouldn't snag anything or more importantly hurt the snail if he ever climbed onto it. It's taped onto the lids and should do the job well.