HELP with Apple snails

Ok so this morning I found three of my biggset apple snails dead. There shells were really soft and peeling away. Do they need more calcium and is there some kind of liquid type I can use? I tried the cuddle bones once and they ODed on that so that's out.

I don't think it was your cuttle bone. It's not going to cause issues unless of course it was contaminated. How much did you put in the tank? It dissolves very slowly and should last a nice little spell.

By the description of the shells, it definately is a calcium deficiency. You can suppliment with calcium rich veggies like spinach. Or, make your own invert food and add additional calcium powder to that.

A couple of other options (which I have not attempted) are to add Baking Soda or plain TUMS to the tank.

OK James thanks.

A safer way that won't cause an immediate change in pH is to crumble some (bleached and rinsed) eggshells into the tank. You can also add a decorative big shell to the tank. If the snails are Ca depleted they will go to either natural calcium source and eat off what they need when they need it.

I always keep either of these calcium sources in any tank I throw a snail into. They've all grown very nice shells and I haven't had major pH rises. (though these do act as mild buffers and the water will resist a drop in pH)

Thanks 2S I'll try the eggs shells. I did take a knife and shaved and very little bit of cuddle bone and added that to the water but I don't know if the filter sucks it in or not. I'll hold off on the shells for awhile now though.

Best way to do the cuttle bone is to break a few small pieces off and boil them for a few minutes. This will cause them to sink. Then you can plop them in the tank as you see fit.

Ok thanks.