hello...we are the proud owners of a new mystery snail. we brought him  home today, and floated the plastic bag/water he came in on top of the tank water for over 1/2 hour. then put him very gently into the tank. he is just sitting on the gravel/pebbles at the bottom, and hasn't moved or poked his head out.
D you think he is ok?

My apple/mystery snails are in coldwater and are usually very active. How longs has he been in the tank? When you bought him was he in a tropical tank? Sometimes I they have only just been put in the tank they do take a while to come out and do anything, they are rather sensitive.

oh- and he has been in the tank for 2 days. He was in a fresh/coldwater tank at the petshop, the shop was very clean and nice and the lady serving was friendly and knowledgeable.

Was he moving around in the tank at the shop or was he sitting at the bottom of that tank not moving. They can get shocked into hibernation but you did everything right in regards to putting him in the tank, so he shouldn't have been shocked. Have you taken him out and checked him? Is he out of his shell a little bit? If he is just gently touch his body and see if he moves, if he does then he is alive just keep an eye on him, if he doesn't move, this is the gross bit, smell at him, not too closely because if he is dead they smell very bad.

Take him out of the tank and sniff the snail. If the snail is really stinky its dead. Snails can float on the water for two weeks so the snail could be alive.

Mine didn't float when she had died, but after three day she smelled horrible. Be prepared it is a pretty bad smell. You never answered was the snail moving in the tank at the pet store? You should always make sure the snail is moving or at least near the top of the tank. If it is at the top just ask the sales person to make sure it sinks when they let go of it. I got one that was at the top of he tank but she had alot of air trapped in her shell which eventually killed her.

hi- i didnt see him moving in the tank at the pet store. he was sitting on the bottom...like here at home. i swore i saw him moving a little last night...well i thought so anyways... what does the shut trap door usually mean?

i have happy news! he is alive and well and doing all manner of snail-y type things. he burst into life yesterday- motoring about in the tank , and climbing up the side, and poking out of his shell, and floating about on the surface of the tank. i did the smell test- there was no odour, said a little prayer and popped him back.
we have called him 'rockets' cause when he moves he really g-o-e-s!

That's good to hear. Now just enjoy watching him they really are great.