How to clean a snail shell?

[justrelax]

If I scoop out some tank water, put the snail in it, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush will that work? All my snails shells are becoming a bit tarnished with algae, and I'm looking to give them that "new snail" look again

[MyCatsDrool]

try the softest toothbrush you can. i like baby toothbrushes for jobs like this.

[cabezon]

Would turtle wax work?

[plecoperson]

Otocinclus will clean 'em up a treat! They love sucking on snail shells. All my snails are sparkly-fresh.

[justrelax]

I will give the baby toothbrush a shot!
I unfortunately have only one oto left of eight... He's a happy little bugger, but I'm waiting until I plant my tank to beef up that school

[Musket]

I've used a soft toothbrush befroe on an adult snail to help get some of the excess algae off him. He didn't mind it, and the oto actually paid more attention to him once I returned him to his home.
He has since passed away *6mths later-so nothing to do with the cleaning*. His shell still graces the bottom of the tank.

[SparKy697]

LOL I can imagine what that must sound like to the snail. I'm thinking a bucket over the head while you drag it on the pavement.