Feeding and Nutrition :: Is this calcium supplement safe for my turtle?

[Captain Rotundo]

I have a bunch of apple snails in my turtle aquarium. Originally I had 9 I am down to six as the turtle has eaten 3 over the last several months. The snail shells don't appear to be growing that great (maybe the turtle is nipping at them?) and according to the snail data I have read on the internet this is due to a calcium deficiency. Anyway I found this product at the pet store called "CORALIFE Invertebrate Calcium Supplement" that is supposed to be a liquid calcuim additive for corals, snails, clams, etc...

Can I add this product to the water for the snails, or will it adversely effect my turtle (he clearly is the priority since anything else that goes in the tank is assumed to become food at some point

[DavidY]

That product is meant for salwater reef systems. I wouldn't recommend using that in your turtle tank as it can have an adverse effect on the pH as well as other water chemistry parameters. Freshwater snails are able to grow in normal freshwater conditions and they should be fine without any calcium additives.

[Captain Rotundo]

I figured as much AFTER buying it of course. Naturally I realize it would effect pH but right now my pH is slightly below 7, and the snail info says that it is better to keep it above 7 for the snails. My understanding is that the turtle can handle either situation.

[steve]

Yes, though many would prefer it to be slightly acidic.

[Captain Rotundo]

wll thanks for the help, I'll be returning this crap. The snails will have to continue to fend for themselves . Although they can really challenge the turtle when it comes to greens, you should see these things go through lettuce.

[SpotsMama]

Slightly acidic is good for a turtle because it discourages fungus - which is common with turtles. I wish the water here were slightly acidic - I have to work to get it down from almost 9.

[DavidY]

Wow, SpotsMama, that's high! Do you run peat in your filters? That should help soften the water some.