Calcium in Shrimp & Snails Explained! How They Absorb It + How to Test & Raise GH

Understanding how freshwater shrimp and snails absorb calcium is essential for keeping them healthy, growing, and properly forming their shells or exoskeletons. In this video, we break down the science in an easy-to-follow way and show you how to measure your tank’s GH (General Hardness) and raise it safely if needed.

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🦐 How Shrimp Absorb Calcium

Freshwater shrimp take up calcium through:
• Their gill structures — passive absorption from the water column
• Their gut — through the foods they eat

Calcium is crucial for shrimp molting, exoskeleton formation, and preventing failed molts.

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🐌 How Snails Absorb Calcium

Freshwater snails absorb calcium primarily through:
• Their mantle tissue — which pulls dissolved calcium directly from the water

Proper calcium levels prevent shell pitting, cracking, erosion, and deformities.

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🧪 What Is GH and Why It Matters

GH (General Hardness) measures the amount of dissolved minerals—mainly calcium and magnesium—in your aquarium. Maintaining the right hardness level is essential for:
• Strong shrimp exoskeletons
• Healthy snail shell growth
• Stable molt cycles
• Long-term invertebrate health

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📏 How to Test Your GH

In this video, we walk through:
✔ How to use a liquid GH test kit
✔ What GH levels different species need
✔ Signs your tank is too soft for shrimp/snails

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⬆️ How to Raise GH Safely

We also cover simple ways to increase calcium and hardness in your aquarium:
• Mineral salts (like GH/KH boosters)
• Crushed coral or aragonite
• Cuttlebone
• Mineral blocks
• Remineralizing RO/DI water

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