How to remove snail from glass or live rocks without damaging it?

[Jakuson]

Hi all,

I am wondering how we can safely remove snails from the glass or live rocks without damaging it? I tried to remove them but they are like not letting go, and I do not dare to force pull it as I am afraid I might damage it and kill it..

Anyone have any idea how to safely make them go into their shell and make it easy to lift them up?

The snail I am referring to is this type of snail(refer to link below)..

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+526+1755&pcatid=1755

The reason I want to move them is I am afraid one day if I happen to run out of algae for them to eat in my main display tank, I will move them to the sump as there are lots of algae in there for them to feed on..

[kamino]

Actually quite easy to remove them. I usually tap lightly on them ... kinda like irritate them abit till they withdraw to their shells.

[Jakuson]

I tried to tap on them... although they redraw, their lower part still sticks, only the eyes and mouth part move in.. Maybe I will try to irritate it even more and try to apply some little force to make it come loose.. hope I don't damage it and kill it..

[plakat]

apply a gentle and pulling force till they let go. Just don't yank them out.

[Jakuson]

ok... thanks all! I have successfully done it with a little force and very slowly making them lose grip..

[rainmalawi]

When i picked my turbo snails at the LFS, i will apply a gentle pulling force to make them release their grip on the glass. Have to try several times as many are very stubborn in letting go.

[finind]

use your nails as cowbar .. short nail can liao

[adrian_ych]

Really ? i kinda have never pulled the shell off a snail b4...I cannot imagine the snail with the shell off covering his privates staring at me....

But I would try "sliding" them rather than tugging them...

[lazydevil]

i see the uncle @ the pasir ris farm always turning the shell, i wonder if that is advisable?

[rudy17]

best not to turn, might injure them

tapping them will make them retract and you can then remove easily.