How to “remove” snails from glass wall

[Script_Kitty]

I am in the process of migrating over froma biocube to a 105 Santa brought me (honest honey, it really was Santa that brought it while you was visiting your mom for a month), and I have moved over everything save the snails in the cleanup crew.

I am trying to find the best way of prying them off the wall without hurting them, but all the posts i can find about removing snails, are geared to a more permanent soluction of removal.

These guys have about a .5 sqr inch contact area with the glass, and are holding on for all they are worth.

I have tride vently prying, i have tried paplets, playing loud music, having long meaningful talks with them. Nothing seems to make them want to let go.

I am hoping someone has some suggestions, cause i am trying to get the biocube broken down and hidden before the wife comes back (maybe she won’t notice?)

 

[khushtram]

Try sliding them off. It works for me , once they feel the motion they easily come right off. Just try to avoid leaving air bubbles inside of them when transferring to the new tank.

 

[NY_Caveman]

People use ice sometimes with anemones. Perhaps if you put a cube on the outside of the glass they would loosen? Not sure how sensitive they may be to the temperature though, so take it slow.

 

[Instigate]

I just recently transferred tanks. I found that being really fast helps. Some of the larger Trochus in my tank can hold pretty good and I'm scarred I will hurt them when pulling them off. I found that if I touch them at all before trying to pull them off they would grip real hard but if I just did it real fast they wouldn't get a chance to clamp down so hard.

 

[Saveafish]

I use a CC or plastic scraper. Abalones really hold tight.

 

[KrisReef]

I lost patience with mine. I tried the ice, talking with them gently, firmly, and sternly and they continued to hold on for all they were worth. Then I drained the tank and suddenly they were off the glass and onto the bottom substrate where they had nothing to cling to except for one stubborn one who was hanging on the glass, so I broke it.
I hope this helps, and Merry Christmas, I hope you enjoyed my snail tale!

 

[cracker]

this is dangerous but I have used a razor blade. Be sure the blade is right up against the glass .

 

[Script_Kitty]

Thanks for all the good advice.

I tried the ice, but discovered the snails had more paitents than me.

Ended up using a combination of a scaper, amd post it notes with funny saying people use to get people to move their car.

They have all been moved but ran into annu expected complication. One of the snails figured out the new tank has no top, and he is up and over and on his way back to the biocube.

Curious if he will turn around and go back.

 

[saltyhog]

I'd be willing to bet he's a nerite. I don't think their GPS and memory are very good. I'd probably manually put him back in the tank.

 

[Billldg]

Agree with above, I have used CC or similar to remove them easily.

 

[danjump]

I have tride vently prying, i have tried paplets, playing loud music, having long meaningful talks with them. Nothing seems to make them want to let go.

Stumbled across this 6 years later and had to create an account just to reply how much I enjoyed this comment. Helpful & delightful thread - I love the internet!