Another Gold Inca Snail care issue often overlooked is how the snail is added to a tank. An upside-down Gold Inca Snail may have a hard time turning over when coming out of its shell. A Gold Inca Snail will open its operculum and extend its foot reaching for a hard surface like gravel or substrate. If the Inca Snail’s foot cannot reach a hard surface, the snail may be unable to turn over and right itself. And if too much time passes, the snail could die.

When adding a Gold Ina Snail to an aquarium, tank size, water conditions and the tank’s limitations are some of the first things to consider. Hobbyists often add a bunch of snails to a tank as an “aquarium cleaning crew”. But snails tax the bio-load of the tank like other living organisms. Keep in mind that a Gold Inca Snail is just like any other tank inhabitant. Snails feed from their aquatic world and they produce waste into it. A Gold Inca Snail needs to be in an established tank with sufficient size and water volume to support their life.

In terms of actual aquarium size, like many other snails a Gold Inca Snail can thrive in small established tanks, like 5 or 10 gallon, or in larger established tanks as well. Whichever is chosen, make sure the basic rules against overstocking followed. The tank should be established and stable. Ammonia and Nitrite levels should be at 0 ppm. Along these lines, Nitrate levels need to be kept in check with regular partial water changes. And be wary of tank medications, treatments and plant fertilizers as they can be harmful or fatal to an Inca Snail. The same goes for additives containing copper.