Snail Shell Damage

[kjr928]

Below is a picture of my snail. When I got him his shell was already damaged, but it seemed to just be really thin. Now as you can see from the pictures, his shell is actually deteriorating and you can see his little body inside! I don't know if he's in pain, he seems to be pretty active.

So basically I just want to know if I should leave him alone, treat him with something, smash him, or freeze him???

[/IMG]

 

[kcooley]

smash it and see if you get more from what is inside...

 

[mvigor]

smash it and see if you get more from what is inside...

????

 

[kcooley]

i remember stepping on snails when i was younger and they would be holding like 100 little snails... have times changed?

 

[mvigor]

Riiiiiiight.

 

[OrionGirl]

I'd suspect that you have low calcium levels in your water, which results in the thinner shell. Snails can typically recover from this--just start adding a calcium buffer--often available for SW setups. Go slow, as this will alter the chemistry of your water. Another option would be to add shells--same concept, but less control, or the cuttle bones available for birds.

 

[kjr928]

I'd suspect that you have low calcium levels in your water, which results in the thinner shell. Snails can typically recover from this--just start adding a calcium buffer--often available for SW setups. Go slow, as this will alter the chemistry of your water. Another option would be to add shells--same concept, but less control, or the cuttle bones available for birds.

Thanks for giving me a real answer. Do you think I'm at the point of no return though? Is there to much damage at this point to turn back?

 

[daveedka]

Thanks for giving me a real answer. Do you think I'm at the point of no return though? Is there to much damage at this point to turn back?
Today 02:41 PM

No real way to tell, but it won't hurt to try. You'll know pretty quickly either way. if you start supplementing calcium, the snail will build and repair fairly quickly if it's going to.
Dave