I understand snails need warm waters....example my tanks used to run right about 68-70 so I purchased a heater to increase temp because it's quite chilly here in Chicago.

However, I read somewhere (don't know where) about the possibility of a snail getting burned on the heater. The snail would crawl onto the heating element and stay there, thus getting burned.

Is this possible? And is there something to be done to prevent it? Heater guards??

You could use a heater guard if it would make you feel better about it so you wouldn't worry but I have snails and heaters and they are fine. If the heater is too hot they could always move, I dont think they could get stuck to it and not be able to.

I guess a Heater Guard is a Better safe than sorry kind of thing,but truthfully,none of my tanks have them.I always wonder about that too because I see the snails crawling on them.Some of the heater's actually feel pretty warm to touch but the snails don't seem to have a problem with it. Go figure.....

I have the same problem. I posted the other day in the DIY section of this site asking for suggestions on what to use as a heater guard. No suggestions given as yet!

So some of you have snails that go on top of the heater and are ok? I'm scared to try it!

I have 5 snaols that are now in with my betta! I have a small heater in with them and they have not had a problem with the it.

I have noticed though, that since the snails have been transfered to a heated tank that they are so much more active and eat alot more and have all grown alot.

But I have also read that a heated tank cuts down on how long they can live.

As far as I've seen,noone's been burned on my heater's. I keep all my Snail tanks between 76-78 degrees. Colder temps do keep a Snail living longer,but they lay in the bottom of the tank sleeping most of the time. I decided to up the temps,and have never regretted it.It is said to shorten their life span,but at least I know that while they lived,they were very active/mating/and enjoying lots of good food.You really can't enjoy them much when they're laying in tanks like stones.

I think if they were getting burnt they would feel the pain and just let go and fall to the bottom i wouldnt worry

I'd only bother using a heater guard thing if i had big fish like oscar's who can shatter them.. or with malawis where theres lots of rocks that could knock the heater.

You've convinced me guys. I'll go for it...thanks.