Simplified: Supplementing Calcium

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I always say that calcium is the key to optimal snail shell health, but...how does one actually go about supplementing it? Sure, there's suggestions on supplies to use; yet, there's not often much clarification about how to use them. When I first began snailkeeping, I was totally lost when it came to calcium supplementation. 

Little lady is thrilled about all this calcium!

For my beginner snailkeepers, this simple guide will show you four easy ways to ensure your aquatic snail is getting all the calcium they need. Before we begin, I personally recommend supplementing calcium in both water and diet. 

With that, let's dive in!

(Note: I am not sponsored by any brands I mention, nor am I affiliated with any sources I recommend. Thank you!)


Cuttlebone


A delightful tortoise enjoying some cuttlebone. Credit: Richard Mayer, de.wikipedia, (CC BY-SA 3.0)

 

Snails require calcium carbonate to promote healthy shell growth. Cracked shells are a common sign of inadequate calcium levels in your snail's tank and/or diet. (Check the bird section of the pet store for cuttlebone, as it's more commonly sold to bird owners.)

Cuttlebone is one of the most recommended sources of calcium for aquatic snails. 

Popular due to its affordability and accessibility, cuttlebone is found in pet stores and on websites of online retailers. As the name implies, it comes from the cuttlefish (a type of mollusk) — the bone (also understood as a kind of internal shell) is composed of calcium carbonate.

Different snailkeepers have different methods of adding it to the tank. Some boil it (but others say that's not strictly necessary), some add a piece to the filter, while others add it as is. If the cuttlebone is floating, it's okay to leave it be. It'll sink eventually. Plus, you might see your snails using it as a makeshift surfboard!

Some expect their aquatic snails to eat the cuttlebone, though it's usually the case that the snails will ignore it. The cuttlebone will dissolve in the water, supplementing calcium that way, instead.


Wonder Shell

Wonder Shell is also widely regarded as a top source of calcium for aquatic snails. Many aquatic snailkeepers praise Wonder Shell for drastically improving their snail's shell growth. These can be found on Amazon. 

Dissolving within a few days, these are another excellent source of calcium carbonate. They raise your water's gH (general hardness), but not the kH (carbonate hardness) nor pH. 

To use these as a supplement, only add small bits at a time directly to the tank — do not add them to the filter. Disregard the instructions to add three shells at a time to a 5 gallon tank, as this will completely dysregulate your gH levels. You only need to add small bits of one at a time. 

Monitor your water after adding it, and make adjustments to the amount added as needed.


Calcium Carbonate powder

This is my preferred method for supplementing calcium. I personally use Fluker's Calcium without Vitamin D3. I add 1 tsp per 10 gallons after major water changes. Every second water change, I'll test my gH and kH levels, then add 1/4 tsp if needed. 

You can simply add it to the clean, dechlorinated water you use for water changes. It'll cloud the water for a bit, but it'll settle down after a few hours. (The snails emerging from the "fog" is an amusing sight: perfect for a spooky season photoshoot!)


Shovel Dude napping


Diet

As mentioned at the beginning of this post, supplementing calcium in both water and diet, instead of just diet alone, is ideal because some snails may not be interested in any calcium-rich foods you offer them. 

In the case of mystery snails, who require protein as a staple in their diet, sinking bottom-feeder pellets are one way to provide calcium. Be wary of copper: high levels of this is lethal to invertebrates. As long as copper is towards the end of the ingredients list, the food is safe. 

Algae wafers are a great way to offer calcium to all of your aquatic snails, omnivorous or herbivorous. The more calcium, the better.

Blanched vegetables, such as kale, zucchini, and spinach, offer variety in your snail's diet. I'll leave a link to some resources that provide a more comprehensive list of fruits and vegetables safe to feed your little buddies.


Conclusion

Supplementing calcium may be daunting for the aspiring snailkeeper, but with time and a little experimentation, it'll soon become second nature. I hope this guide helps simplify this process for you. Please reach out if you have any comments or questions!

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