Questions about Invertebrates and soft, acidic water?

[PattyCakes81]

Hi guys,

I have a few questions about Invertebrates (mostly nerite snails, Alamo shrimp and cherry shrimp in soft, acidic water:

1. Is it possible to be able to supplement enough calcium to prevent shell or exoskeleton erosion?

2. What is the best way to supplement calcium?

3. Does the GH and KH in tap affect calcium absorption?

4. Is there a way to make my water so invertebrates can thrive without using RO (reverse osmosis)?

Any help, tips and advice greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Patty

 

[OrionGirl]

Sharing your conditions will be helpful. I can't answer many of those questions, but I do know that you can supplement calcium and other micro/macronutrients with an appropriate food There are several lines to invertebrate food, just make sure you get something for aquatic animals and not terrestrial hermit crabs. There are also a variety of ways to harden water--it tends to be easier than softening, since hardening is handled by adding ions.

 

[tanker]

1. Is it possible to be able to supplement enough calcium to prevent shell or exoskeleton erosion?
Yes, by adding Calcium Bicarbonate. Available at most Walmarts.
2. What is the best way to supplement calcium?
See above.
3. Does the GH and KH in tap affect calcium absorption?
Yes, but IMO, not a big concern. What is your KH and GH?
4. Is there a way to make my water so invertebrates can thrive without using RO (reverse osmosis)?
Why are you using RO water? What is wrong with your tap water?