What's going on with my nerite snail?

[gingerinaustin]

His shell was fine when I bought him and a buddy two weeks ago; now his shell is pitted, particularly around the whorl. The other snail is fine. He's in a cycled brackish tank (marine salt to 1.003-1.005), ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 10-20, PWC weekly.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Ruben Tolon]

How is the pH on there? maybe not high enough?

 

[gingerinaustin]

7.4. Probably not high enough...? Is there anything I can do to boost the pH permanently and consistently? The water is plenty hard.

 

[FISH ROOM PLUS]

• 
  ADD OYSTER SHELL, CRUSHED CORAL SHOULD DO THE TRICK. ALSO REMOVE ANY DRIFT WOOD THAT MIGHT BE IN THE TANK

:idea:

 

[brackishdude]

My nerites came via mail order like that.

My understanding upon researching it is that new shell is only layed down at the leading edge of the shell - the opening. If the pH is too low, the mature shell dissolves.

Keep it high and the damage stops, but never repairs.

How high? Not sure, but mine runs about 7.9-8.0.

I agree with Alex on adding other dissolveables to harden the water and raise the pH. coral sand around 1-2 mm in size makes a great substrate, especially for higher SG brackish fish.

Personally, I have lots of driftwood in my tank, use silica sand for substrate, and rely entirely on marine salt for the pH stability. SG around 1.005. Your local water supply may require more effort.

 

[wataugachicken]

to keep it from dissolving further at that point, take the snail out of the water, dry it off, and apply a layer or two of clear nail polish over the damaged area. be very careful not to get it on the body of the snail. let it dry for a few minutes before putting it back.

 

[gingerinaustin]

Nail polish? Won't that emit some sort of VOCs in the tank?

The pH out of the tap is plenty alkaline, above 8. I think the problem is the low total alkalinity of the tap water, typically between 40 and 80 ppm. I've been thinking about adding some baking soda to the water at water change time to help boost the total alkalinity and keep the pH more stable. Any opinions on that?

 

[MikenDanielle]

I use baking soda in my cichlid tank when the PH drops & wil use it when my brackish is up & running if need be. Usually about 1/2 tsp will do & then test after 15 min. repeat if necessary. should bring the PH up just fine.