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Keeping nerite snail in soft, acidic water

Joined
16 Nov 2007
Messages
735
Location
Blackpool
I've been trying to keep snails for a long time but I never really have much success with it... My tap water has parameter that is perfect for soft water fish. pH of 6.5 with no nitrate and very low gH and 0kH. As part of my fertilisation regime, I'm adding a little calcium carbonate to the tank to add calcium to the tank. I've never really measured my pH or any other parameter since then. What really annoys me is that I keep buying snails and they just die in my tank after 2-3 weeks. There is no sign of pitting or thinning of the shell. I've acclimatised them slowly to the water and I would like to think that my water doesn't contain any copper as my sakura shrimp seemed to be happy with the water quality. Anyone have similar experience?
 
Hi all,
It's definitely the water, you could try adding a piece of cuttle bone or some snail shells (the aragonite form of calcium carbonate is more soluble than calcite). Try this and add some MTS, as they are capable of laying down shell at below pH7 (most Snails can't). If they are still living after a couple of months you could try other snails.
cheers Darrel
 
Thanks mate. I will give that a try. Aragonite as in the live sand that is commonly used in marine tank?
 
Well cherry shrimp doesn;t appear to be affected by it but then again cherry shrimp are quite hardy and the only time I couldn't keep them alive is when there are copper present in the water. My tank has been cycle for 6 weeks before putting them in it. So theoretically it should be alright. I've bought 3 and only 1 is alive now....Really haven't got a clue as to why this is happening.
 
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