Breeding Snails

Question
I have a small freshwater tank with two snails and two goldfish, and no natural vegetation.  Every month or so, one of the snails will lay a large pile of eggs (about a third of its own size) on the ceiling of the tank (in the air).  And there they sit and dryout, never to hatch.  How can I get them to hatch?  Wouldn't they be better off in the water (provided I isolate them from the hungry goldfish)?

Answer
Yes, of course they would only hatch in the water. It is strange to hear the snail actually lays them out of the water. I have always had mine lay them in the water. Perhaps if you get some plants they might lay the eggs on the plants? I would try a plant or two and see what the snails do. But get a hearty plant, as goldfish love veggies. If they continue to lay them in the air, the only thing I would imagine to do is to get a razor blade and gently scrap the eggs off and put them in a fish bowl with an airpump and see if they hatch in there. However, the snails need to fertilize the eggs so maybe when you get your next batch move the snail and the eggs to the bowl and see how that works. Just make sure you do a tiny water change in the bowl every two or three days and add an air stone for cirulation and air. Its crazy they would lay the eggs in the air but I suppose they have their reasons. Also, keep in mind, a few snails may be cute but they overpopulate super fast. They tend to breed like crazy when the conditions are right, which isnt very hard to achieve. So, if you manage to hatch some be careful with the populations, soon you will wish you did not have them at all if they overgrow too much. But of course snails are a great cleaner so feel free to hatch some if you can but just keep the population managed. Let me know if you need more help.