Pickling lime (Calcium hydroxide) as a soil conditioner?

[Liguus]

I've been looking for a cheap calcium source I can buy in bulk to use as a buffer in my substrate since it looks like eventually it turns acidic and starts to deteriorate the periostracum layer on my snails' shells.
Today I noticed a store sells big bags of "pickling lime" (Calcium hydroxide) for cheap. Apparently it is used as a calcium supplement for aquacultured coral (equivalent to Kalkwasser). Because of that I assume its safe for the snails. Does anyone see a reason not to use it I may be overlooking?

[charles124]

Although I'm far from a chemist. I feel like it would be difficult to know how much of it to use considering there aren't instructions for use with snail environments. If you use too much, there might be adverse effects(possibly). If you use too little, it may be ineffective and a waste of time/money. That is the only concern I could think of.

[Liguus]

I think what I'll do is look on some of the aquarium hobby sites and see how they make the homemade kalkwasser. I'll probably just soak the substrate in that.

[Liguus]

The aquarium hobbyists say it will add calcium to the water, and the hydroxide will neutralize any acidity. I think this may be what I'm looking for. Ill go buy a bag tomorrow.

[mangoandlemon]

Let us know how I goes!

[Liguus]

I should probably first buy a soil pH meter so that I don't end up with anecdotal evidence.