How can I get more calcium in my freshwater planted tank for my snails?

[Mr geophagus]

Hi. Recently I’ve noticed that the snails in my 10 gallon planted tank haven’t had the best looking shells. How can I add calcium?

 

[Coryloach]

Generally speaking, it is pH dependent on your water. What happens is, that in a low pH the calcium from the shell snails dissolves away so dietary supplements can't help much if any. You may try adding some crushed coral to your filter media. It's effect is very minimal but it can help some. It will also help stabilize your KH as it is possible it is also low in water which is soft enough to affect snails. KH is used in nitrification and when it is low, it will drop to zero, which the fish won't like either.

 

[kno4te]

Cuttlebone can be added to the tank.

 

[J. H.]

Seashells. The snails chew on them.

 

[Ned Nature]

Tums worked great when I was breeding crayfish, direct source of cheap calcium carbonate for them to munch on.