Calcium for snails

[jackiomy]

How do you tell how much calcium is in your tank water? I know the hardness is 8.0. Is that the same as calcium? And why do the snails in one tank looks so healthy and have thick shells and in another of my tanks all the snails seem to have problems. I am thinking that my walmart snails are all in one tank but I can't remember. Probably the source? The healthy snails all came from another store.

[Fordtrannyman]

Check your local water districts website for a water quality report.
With a KH of 8d, chances are good there is enough in the source water for decent shell health. I feed my Brigs foods high in calcium and my biggest tank I add cuttlebone once a month.

[Bethany1979]

I make the snail jello and add the phosphorous-free Rep-Cal to it.

[jackiomy]

I do the snail jello and they get veggies and pellets and algea wafers. How do you add cuttlebone? Do you grind it up? Oh, and they get tums also. It is just so weird that there is such a difference from one tank to the other. I hope that I didn't scare you off fordtrannyman! LOL You'll still send me my new babies?

[Hollygirl]

I do the snail jello and they get veggies and pellets and algea wafers. How do you add cuttlebone? Do you grind it up? Oh, and they get tums also. It is just so weird that there is such a difference from one tank to the other. I hope that I didn't scare you off fordtrannyman! LOL You'll still send me my new babies?
He probably will as long as they go in the "good shell" tank. LOL!

[Lupin]

You'll need a calcium test kit to determine the amount of calcium in your tank. What do you provide in the tank where snails have shell problems?

[jackiomy]

You'll need a calcium test kit to determine the amount of calcium in your tank. What do you provide in the tank where snails have shell problems?

I do the snail jello and they get veggies and pellets and algea wafers. They also don't seem to be as interested in food as the other snails.

[NeonFlux]

I have 11 degrees is that okay?

[Lupin]

I do the snail jello and they get veggies and pellets and algea wafers. They also don't seem to be as interested in food as the other snails.
Strange. Maybe they're a little weak to eat? I keep hearing chain stores there aren't always the best source and a majority of their stocks are beyond starvation with badly eroded shells. Maybe these are the "chain store" snails. Any pics of the snails so we can see the extent of shell damage?


I have 11 degrees is that okay?
Yes.

[jackiomy]

This is the worst one. I think he is getting worse.

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This is the other one.

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This is when I first got him. He has barely grown at all'

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The yellow one I got at the same time is twice as big and is looking good. I couldn't get him to relax his hold on a rock so I couldn't get a picture.

Here are my blues from the other tank
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And my ivory from the other tank.

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[Lupin]

The worst one needs to be euthanized. I don't believe it can be fixed at that extent.

[jackiomy]

The worst one needs to be euthanized. I don't believe it can be fixed at that extent.

That is what I was afraid of. Poor thing.

[Fordtrannyman]

I do the snail jello and they get veggies and pellets and algea wafers. How do you add cuttlebone? Do you grind it up? Oh, and they get tums also. It is just so weird that there is such a difference from one tank to the other. I hope that I didn't scare you off fordtrannyman! LOL You'll still send me my new babies?

I just break off a couple good size pieces and drop it in. Snails will be shipped tomorrow as promised.:) I trust you will do the right thing.

[jackiomy]

I think that those two snails have pre exixting conditions. Here is a pic of my gold in the same tank and he is beautiful. I am feeling a little better about the whole thing now. I don't think it is anything that I am or am not doing.

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[rocker92]

sorry to hear that. good luck!! we want pics when you get the new ones in!!!!!

[msjinkzd]

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78080&thumb=1&d=1232772628 (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78080&d=1232772628)

Is this the one you are saying needs to be euthanized? why, is it eating and moving alright? See how the shell underneath is solidifying where the fissure is? That is it sealing from teh inside out. I would try and isolate it from other snails so it does not try and reproduce and also keep it in cooler temps. That sort of fissure will close, as evidenced by how its already started. If its acting well, I would just keep it in its own space <even a breeder trap in your good shell tank>, lower the temp, and feed calcium enriched foods.

[Tenebrius]

Sorry, newbie question here: what is the "snail jello"?

[msjinkzd]

its a food utilizing gelatin, baby food, and fish foods and calcium powder to feed the snails/inverts/bottom feeders.

[jackiomy]

Thanks msjinkzd. He is still in the 20 and not showing much interest in breeding. I have lowered the temp to 72 is that a good temp? I am going to put him is something by himself but I haven't quite figured out where. I want to monitor his eating. You know I am not the euthanizing type. :)

[grannylvsfish]

Poor snail :( mine have never had calcium, there must be plenty of what they need in my water supply as there beautiful from beginning to end.
Good luch on your poor babies :)

[msjinkzd]

72 is fantastic, it will slow down its metabolism and increase the thickness of the new growth. The snails may not be as active in that temp, but it will help the new growth to catch up with the old. As long asits not being mounted/trying to mount others, you don't NEED to isolate.

[Tenebrius]

that [snail jello] sounds awesome - do you have a recipe?

[Lupin]

that [snail jello] sounds awesome - do you have a recipe?
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135871

[lorindaleigh]

I give mine a caltrate pill every other day (without Vitamin D) they go nuts for it.

[saram521]

I hope your poor snail heals jacki! Keep us updated.