Calcium for snails

[IceH2O]

Which would be the better solution for adding calcium for the snails?

Dosing CaCl2- by far the easiest. No pH or Kh rise.

Dosing CaCO3 - I've heard this would raise the Kh and pH, I would need to dose 3 -4 tsps to get calcium levels in proper range.Anyway to know how much rise to expect?

Feed high calcium foods- I have some frozen spinich I can feed them. I just don't like that I can't tell they are getting the correct levels of calcium. How often would I feed it?

This is a snail only tank, breeding for food. It will also be used for a QT tank for feeder shrimp. Only plant in it is some floating hornwort to help with nitrate levels in case I over feed and a small amount of christmass moss.Also with the low Na hoping to grow algae for the snails to feed on.

 

[daveedka]

If I had to chose I'd go with Idea #1 and idea #3 in combo. Really There is no worry about extra carbonate with snails, So "D" all of the above would be a good answer as well. Feeding high calcium foods does not work for me by itself, but does seem to help in the overall picture. CaCL2 is easy as you mentioned. Really any of them are a good solution.
Dave

 

[tai95]

If these are just being used for feeders, does it really matter if they don't have perfect shells?

 

[IceH2O]

Thanks Dave, I was leaning towards the 1,3 combo myself.

Tai, I have low pH and low kh/gh. It doesn't take long for the shells to deteriorate. I need them to stay alive long enough to breed. Just because they're feeders doesn't mean they don't deserve the same respect as any other snail. Plus if I decided to add cherry shrimp as feeders the water will already have Ca in it for them.

 

[TheMightyQueenPixie]

Thanks Dave, I was leaning towards the 1,3 combo myself.

Tai, I have low pH and low kh/gh. It doesn't take long for the shells to deteriorate. I need them to stay alive long enough to breed. Just because they're feeders doesn't mean they don't deserve the same respect as any other snail. Plus if I decided to add cherry shrimp as feeders the water will already have Ca in it for them.

Try crushed oyster shell...Cheap and you can get it at any feed store.

 

[graphicdesign_r]

I like the seashell method for three good reasons:

More surface area for algae will grow for the snails to eat
They can graze the shell itself and take in calcium as needed (mine do)
The shells will break down eventually and add calcium to the water

Any shells will work. Crush a few and add them to your filter too...

 

[tai95]

I didn't realize your water was so acidic. The shell idea seems like a good fix for that. you could also use some cruched coral gravel to help buffer your water. I've also heard of people using cuttlebone to supplement calcium. You can find it in the bird section of most stores.