Anyone know why my rams horn snail shells are turning white? Too much calcium in water? Not enough? Old age? It doesn’t stop them from breeding though.
Why are my snail shells turning white?
- Thread starter koipie doll
- Start date
Soft acidic water? I have that, and inverts do not thrive in my tanks, and after they die the shells get pale and thin. Doesn't look exactly like your picture, but. . .
Doesn’t seem to be a problem with mine either. I have a pretty steady supply for my puffer keeper friends! Just wondering what’s up with it.
It is due to low pH water or soft water. Shells (made of calcium carbonate) are covered by a thin proteínic film called periostracum. Once it is slightly damaged or even without such damage, acidic water slowly dissolves the shell and produces the whitish pits, which progress, makes the shell thin and fragile. Once pitted, bacterial action speeds up the process. The snail does not really suffer, but it does become more prone to predation or physical damage.
No need to do anything, unless harder water is desired (possibly not, depending on what type of fish you keep). If so, any carbonate material added to the tank (crushed shells, marble, limestone) would slow the process or prevent it. I wouldn’t worry.
No need to do anything, unless harder water is desired (possibly not, depending on what type of fish you keep). If so, any carbonate material added to the tank (crushed shells, marble, limestone) would slow the process or prevent it. I wouldn’t worry.
Thanks. Good info. That’s why I love this site. I’m glad the snails aren’t suffering. They actually started as hitch hikers, and then went crazy…surprise surprise! A few are great for the tank, but I’m giving a lot to my puffer keeper friend.