How to Keep Abalone Alive in a Tank

Abalone is an interesting and useful addition to a saltwater aquarium or tank. Large, snail-like creatures, abalone are generally nocturnal. Hidden during the day, they appear at night to forage along the glass or bottom of their aquarium for algae. Keeping a safe and healthy environment for abalone is important for their survival.

Things You'll Need

  • Water thermometer
  • Water quality test kit
  • Spinach, blanched lettuce or dried seaweed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Maintain a water temperature from 72 to 78 F in the aquarium. Abalone are sensitive to temperature changes. Place a water thermometer in the water at either end of the tank to monitor the temperature.

    • 2

      Measure the aquarium's alkalinity, acidity, calcium and salinity regularly with a test kit. Alkalinity and acidity are at opposite ends of the test spectrum, and results from pH 8.1 to 8.4 are optimum. A reading below pH 7 means the water is acidic, and water more than pH 14 is alkaline. Calcium levels need to test below 500 parts per million (ppm), and salinity should measure 1.023 to 1.025. Keeping the levels within the accepted range will help maintain the health of your abalone.

    • 3

      Supplement the abalone diet. Their diet is almost exclusively algae, but adding spinach, blanched lettuce or dried seaweed keeps them healthier.