Substrate for the African Snail

In this category, we have collected specialized substrates for Giant African Land Snails (GALS). African Giant Snails inhabit moist areas near water reservoirs, so they require constant maintenance of a very high level of humidity (about 80%) in the reservoir. The choice of substrate has directly influence into the microclimate in the tank where the snail resides. When the environment of the snail is too dry, the molluscs close tightly in their shells, falling into the so-called lethargy.

What Substrate for an Giant African Land Snails (GALS)?

The substrate for the African snail should keep moisture well and, if we decide to plant the tank with plants, it should also be conducive to their growth. African snails like to hide among vegetation, you can use e.g. bromeliads, mosses or ferns to plant the tank. Unfertilized soil mixed with coconut peat or sphagnum moss can be used as a substrate.

Remember, however, that snails produce a lot of excrement and keeping the tank clean is not the easiest thing to do. A great idea is to use an active substrate that is adapted to be introduced into the tank by the cleaning team - a bioactive substrate for snails.