Ramshorn Snail Enthusiast

[tamarind]

I recently started raising Ramshorn Snails. I am very interested in information for optimum health of the snails. My snails are fair I would say in the health area, of their shell at least. The condition I got these snails in was worse then they are now, but their shells are still etched and thin after using liquid calcium and cuttle bone in the tank for months. Any suggestions for optimum shell and snail health.

[goose]

I don't have any experience with Ramshorns as such but I do keep apple snails and I think even with optimum calcium levels you are unlikely to improve the quality of old shell, I have one snail which arrived with shell pitting etc and although the new shell growth appears healthy there has been little improvement in the old shell growth. I have found that damage to old shell growth is merely patched up by the snail, the shell condition doesn't improve.

[tamarind]

Thanks for the reply. I have seen that happen. As the new shell grows it is looking better as the old shell seems to mend a bit, but it still looks damaged. Their shell differences give them character I guess anyway. I just want them to be as healthy as they can be. So if the shell is strengthened but not totally reconditioned I guess that is okay, at least it is strong for them so they can go about their life without a weak shell which can cause other health problems for them.

[muddydragon]

I have great ramshorns in my pond, though i did keep some inside for a while. they are study little guys, many of the old vetrans which i remember introducing to the pond several years ago now have very deep cuts in the shell and some even have a hole straight through the middle (in the oldest growth) and they have hung in there for years and breed like nobodies business, i started with 5 i now have millions of the little blighters out in the wild (it's a pond made to be natural). so i'ld say their care is fairly easy and they do really well.
the slightly disconcerting thing with all the types of snail in my pond is that some sort of parasite (or commensal organism) has joined with them, lots of little nematodes cover their bodies, i suspect parasite because sometimes snails will sacrifice themselves and lie on the side of the pond (making me think the next host may be a bird) however the point is even though there is this; the old vetrans are still there and only a very small medium aged number seem to sacrifice themselves - so even against parasites (if that' what they are) they are hardy little guys, and these 'parasites' have been around for years and years with the ecosystem of the pond still being perfect.
they are great, i love ramshorns and sory i went off at a tangent about their care, i just think they are fantastic! best of luck with them! hope they all grow fit and healthily!