The snails now have 3 batches of eggs on the go, i am very soon gonna have snails everywhere *LOL*

To protect the shell, the pH of the water should be kept at 7 (neutral water) or higher (alkaline). It's important to pay attention to this. If the water is too soft, one can increase the calcium concentration by adding powdered marble, lime stone, sea shells. To prevent shell grow problems; it's best to avoid sudden changes in the water/food conditions.

A low pH (below 6.5) and low in calcium content, the snails are unable to create a strong shell in such cases and become vulnerable to shell damage, especially when the protecting outer layer has vanished with age (common in older snails of some species). It's therefore advisable to test the pH if one notice shell problems. For most apple snails a pH of 7 to 8 is optimal. A low pH can be easily corrected by adding calcium carbonate to the water.

Before you raise the pH, make sure that the other inhabitants (fish) of the tank tolerate a pH of 7-8. Also never increase the pH too much at once (0.5/day max.).

Once the pH of the water drops and the water becomes acid (pH below 7), the calciums start to dissolve. As long as this process advances at a slow speed, the snail is often able to enforce the calcium layer, although only at the inside. The ouside of the shell is dead material, and cannot be repaired by the snail itself, so once damaged, it will stay that way.

I have over 50 snails including about 25 apple snails (black, blue, ivory and golden), so I know from experience...I plan to get about 25 more.

hope this info gives you a good understanding of the snail's shell deterioration...if you need further help just ask we're here

Caught a few pics of the adults surface feeding

Plenty of oxygen *LOL* There is powdered food on the water surface, they love it and everytime its added they come up to grab themselves some. Other than to lay eggs its the only time they come to the surface