Topic: Snail Shells

[Pam]

Alright have been readig and not finding what I am looking for, so now I turn to the knowledgable persons who frequent the forum and love their snails.

I have two mystery snails, one blue and one yellow. They have been in the tank for six months or so. I keep looking at their shells and think they are not as heathly - strong looking, as when I first picked them up. They clean the tank, and eat the algea wafers, however I am thinking I need to add something to their diet to stregthen their shells.

Anyone have any suggestions.

PamC

[spudfeger]

If you have very soft water you may need to add calcium to the tank water. Just as we need calcium for strong bones, snails need it for strong shells. One of the best sources of pure calcium a cuttlebone. You could probably buy one at any pet store that caters to the needs of birds as a supplement/beak care product. From what I've gathered, you treat it much the same as driftwood- boil it (in dechlorinated water) until it sinks. From then on the snails will be drawn to it for the calcium and the shells ought to toughen up. Just know that adding calcium will likely make your water harder (gH), and maybe raise the carbonate hardness (kH) as well. Just a quick precaution if you have any plants/fish that need soft, acidic water, such as discus.

[Pam]

Thanks spudfeger, amazingly I have high gh and kh, so I am no really sure what is missing.

The other inhabit is a BGK who has adapted to the water conditions, and a little water sprite to keep the light subdued.

I had picked up a cuttle bone and stuck it in with out boiling it, they had not taken to it yet, perhaps the boiling improves the flavor of the cuttle bone.

[spudfeger]

No problem! Cuttlebone also leaches slowly into the water, which will act as a two-part treatment for the snail. The shell will be bathed in calcium outside while the new growth will be more nourished and healthy. So don't worry if they don't take to it right away. (Our dog took forever to realize that rawhide bones were actually meant for gnawing, not playing fetch with-- maybe your snails are the same way!!)

[Pam]

How does one put their snails out of their misery?

My snails shells are still eroding, and not sure what to do?

[wendyjo]

Garbage disposal?

[spudfeger]

^WJ you suggested the same to me!! I stick mine in the fridge for about 30 min. to knock 'em out, then I freeze 'em to make snailsickles. Just make sure to double-bag them.

[wendyjo]

Yeah cause it works and it's very fast.

[spudfeger]

lol I still could never stand the sound, even if I did cover it up with ice!!

[Pam]

Surely you  both jest!