Conch with Broken Shell

[rantipole]

Hi everyone,

Having an issue with my fighting conch. I've had the little guy for about two years. Day before yesterday, it was tipped over. I picked it up and the shell broke, so there is a large piece missing now. I thought the conch was dead but left it in the tank to be sure. It has moved a little and when I scooped it out last night, it was definitely still alive. It hasn't moved much since.

Is there a way to help it? Can I patch the shell with something? Should I just leave it alone and hope for the best? Also, why was the shell so fragile? The piece that came off was thin and kind a crumbled. Makes me think there's a bigger issue in the tank. Will test water tonight.

Thank you!

Cheers,
rant

 

[Big G]

Might be old age.

 

[rantipole]

I wondered about that. How long to conchs live anyway?

Cheers,
rant

 

[Big G]

Great question. I was thinking about this last night while trying to get to sleep. Have you checked your water parameters lately? Was thinking about those foundational elements like CA, Mg and some of those micro elements, that are necessary for the snails shells to remain strong and grow.

 

[rantipole]

Ca is 400. I don't have a Mg test, but am getting one. I was thinking of those kinds of minerals as well. My leathers, zoas, and clove polyps are fine. My other snails are doing well, but they have only been in the tank a couple months. The conch has been there for ~2 years.

Cheers,
rant