Water Parameters for Nerites

[Eternal_Irony]

I've had a nerite in my smaller 10g betta aquarium for around 3 weeks and I'm worried that my water parameters aren't doing him any favours.
Current readings are:
Ammonia 0ppm
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 10ppm
PH 6.4
KH 108ppm
GH 160ppm
No C02

The tank has been set up for around 2 months and the readings have been pretty consistent.

I haven't been giving the snail any supplementary food as there was quite a bit of green algae from cycling with the lights on for the plants but as he's done a fantastic job of clearing it up I'm going to start adding bits of veg for him. My 90g community gets veggies a couple of times a week, so I'll just chop some smaller bits for the snail.

I've never had snails before and I want to make sure he is well looked after and has everything he needs. Do I need to drop anything in as a calcium suppliment for him or should I add some crushed coral to raise the ph a bit? I know the water is perfect for my betta but is there a happy medium for them both? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
Welcome to UKAPS.

What does the shell look like? Is it showing any <"signs of colour loss or pale patches etc?">

PH 6.4
KH 108ppm
GH 160ppm
No C02

I'm not sure about the pH, with that amount of dKH it should <"be ~ pH 8">. Are you using <"pH buffers">?

Do I need to drop anything in as a calcium suppliment for him or should I add some crushed coral to raise the ph a bit?

If the pH is really below pH7? Unfortunately <"he is ultimately doomed">, but calcium (Ca) rich food will help prolong life. Other types of snail are more persistent in softer water.

cheers Darrel

 

[tiger15]

In low pH, CO2 tank, Nerite shell will lose the brilliant pattern and erode to dull white shell if survive at all.

 

[Eternal_Irony]

My guess is it's tannins from the big root in the tank bringing the ph down.
He's not showing any signs of shell erosion but I may try some dolomite or crushed coral in the filter to see if I can being the pH up to around 7. If not I'll move him over to my 90g community. The ph in there is 7.2 so he should be fine.
Thanks