Apple Snail

Question
How long has your tank been set up? About 3 weeks
How big is your tank? 10 gallon
What type of fish? 2 snails (apple i believe), 1 chilid, 1 algae eater
How many fish? 2
Type of filter? IDK- it's little and fits inside the tank, it has the coals inside a fiber clothe thing
What are the pH, ammonia, nitrite levels? IDK
How often do you change water? I haven't yet - what do you suggest?
How many gallons of water are replaced every time? I haven't changed my water yet but I know I should some of the original water each time, Like half?

My question is about my snails.  One of them hasn't moved in about 3 days but the thing on his back that closes him inside his shell is closed.  He moves around with the water flow but stays on the bottom.  A few days before he stopped moving both snails were touching while sucking on the glass and they stayed really close to each other.  Is he dead, hibernating, pregnant?  The 2nd day I saw my algae eater messing with the snail and moving it around.  Maybe he was trying to clean it up if the snail is dead.  I just don't want to throw him away if his alive.  Thank in advance for any help, I really don't know what I'm doing, my specialty is with furry four legged animals in the shape of cats.

Answer
Hi Candy;

Apple snails do that sometimes. It's kind of like a vacation. If he is dead he will hang out of his shell, or if you pull on his trapdoor gently with your fingernail it will open and he will smell really bad. REALLY bad. Otherwise, he's just fine in there. Here is a web page with more info about them so you know what to expect from your little guy. Click on the FAQ link on the left of the below page;

http://www.applesnail.net/

Your tank is very new so it may still be going through the break-in period. It can be very hard on the fish and the snails and might explain why one snail doesn't want to come out right now. Change 25% of the water right away. Avoid changing more than 25% at a time and always be sure the new water is the same temperature as the old water. Use water conditioner too. Get the water tested at your fish store or get some kits to do them yourself at home. You may need to do them daily for a few days until it gets through the break-in so having your own kits is much more convenient and more accurate because the water won't be sitting for awhile as you take it to the store. If there is any trace of the toxins known as "ammonia" and "nitrite", make a daily 25% change until they drop to "zero". After the break-in, all tanks need a weekly 25% water change with a gravel vacuuming. Here is my own web page about new tanks to help you know more about it;

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins