PH and snails

[sushi*roll]

I have a PH kit that tests from 4.5 to 9. I have my water as close to neutral as I can get it with the tester kit I have, but my snails shells are still continuing to deteriorate (which I'm told is from acidic water/low PH). Could there be something else causing this? or are their shells just very fragile??
Also I'm thinking about getting a smaller range PH test kit, but I'm wondering if maybe there is a better kind than the ones you add drops too (like maybe something digital?).

 

[wananwu]

how long have you had the td snails and what is the general hardness of your water?

 

[Newman]

nah don't waste your money on digital...($300+ are you crazeh?)
liquid tests are the best for the money.

true snails like higher pH but thats only cus high pH is often associated with high amounts of GH. what is the GH of your tank?(same as gen hardness )

 

[Avalon]

PH has nothing to do with snails and shells. As Newman suggests, it's your GH that matters. Snails need calcium and other related minerals to grow and maintain shells. You can add some crushed coral to your filter or tank to increase your GH cheaply and effectively.

 

[sushi*roll]

I've had them for about 2 months, and when I got them they were covered in algae, and within 10 seconds my pleco had them squeeky clean, and from the start their shells were white on the top spiral (instead of brown allover)
I dont know how to test for hardness (I'm guessing I can buy a kit just like with testing PH?)
Can I buy the crushed coral from my LFS?? and willl it hurt my other fish?

 

[littletankbigworld]

You mentioned they are turning white. This is a possible calcium deficiency. Are their shells growing white cracks and flaking off?
Also, what kind of diet do your snails eat? It is possible they aren't getting enough to eat. When I had snails, their shells would turn white occasionally until I gave them a piece of lettuce.

 

[jenricae]

Yup, you can get a GH test kit from an LFS as well as the crushed coral. My LFS sells them in little bags.