Snails and calcium

[gm72]

I read somewhere, can't remember where, that sinking a piece of cuttlebone into a tank is a good idea to provide snails with a supplement to help them grow strong shells. Would this affect any other fish? I don't think so but just want to double check for another opinion.

[Chrona]

What kind of water do you have? Well water? Hard? Unless it's really soft water, you have plenty of calcium for snail shells, though it doesn't really hurt (unless you have sensitive fish). More important is the pH, as acidic water will eat away at the shells over time.

[gm72]

Well water, pretty soft. pH is around 7.5 usually. What kinds of fish do you suppose would be sensitive to the extra calcium?

[Chrona]

Well water, pretty soft. pH is around 7.5 usually. What kinds of fish do you suppose would be sensitive to the extra calcium?

Rummynose tetras and perhaps cardinals, though most fish adapt pretty easily to extra calcium (hardness) as long as acclimation is good.

I would get that water double checked though. A pH of 7.5 indicates a moderate amount of alkalinity, and with alkalinity usually comes hardness.

[gm72]

Thanks for the advice, will double check before adding the cuttlebone.