View Full Version : Wild-caught snail is looking a little...
red_wall
01-29-2009, 9:42 PM
Broken. I'm darn near 100% sure it's a calcium deficiency. It's not BROKEN, but you know... looking like it has the top layer cut out, so its brown with white patches all along his shell.
Will the snail be fine with his shell like this? Or will he most definitely die?
What should I do? I don't think he will go after any vegetables, of course I haven't tried, so who knows? It's just that I let cucumber sink into the tank one day an nary a snail was on it in the morning.
Any advice?
If I follow your advice, how long until his shell "heals"
msjinkzd
01-29-2009, 9:49 PM
Can you get a picture? what type of snail is it? what is your pH and hardness and tank temp?
red_wall
01-29-2009, 10:50 PM
I'm almost 100% sure it's a Mesa Ramshorn.
No clue on the PH
Also, no clue on the hardness in the water.
I live in southeastern Georgia (might as well be NE florida).
The water should be acidic.
But, I think it's more to do with calcium deficiency as I do not target feed my snails, I let them find food around the tank (MTS, pond snails, and the mesa)
I've just gotten attached to the big guy and I really like him and would not want to see him suffer.
Sorry for the lack of info on tank water, money is very tight : /
red_wall
01-31-2009, 2:37 PM
Uhhh... Bump?
:]
msjinkzd
01-31-2009, 2:53 PM
That is erosion. You could try target feeding, but that is more likely caused from soft water. You could buffer the water with crushed coral in the filter or using vacation feeders. If you use vacation feeders, some contain phosphorus which can cause algae, so be aware of that. He does not appear to be suffering at all as his shell does not have holes.
AquaGem
01-31-2009, 2:54 PM
Snails need high ph. I'd guess it's a ph issue. You also have to feed your snails greens to make sure they get enough calcium. Have you ever made them snail jello? I don't think it's really a calcium problem because the new growth looks good. Could be wrong so don't take my word on it. Wait for the experts.
red_wall
01-31-2009, 3:22 PM
Alrighty. I looked over at the forums, will tums work?
I'll also give him some high calcium foods as well.
msjinkzd
01-31-2009, 4:24 PM
I am not a tums fan. I would go with a more consistent buffer of your water.
Do you have other snails in with that one?
red_wall
01-31-2009, 9:47 PM
I am not a tums fan. I would go with a more consistent buffer of your water.
Okay, I'm fairly sure my LFS has crushed coral for sale.
All I have are MTS and pond snails.
Thanks guys :thm: