My crayfish molted, what do I do to help?

[Divis_Julius]

Should I be adding calcium or iodine to the tank or something? I've never kept one so I'm unsure of procedure here.

 

[Hobgob]

Not to sure but don't they do it because their skin is to small? I'd have to do some research though I'm not sure since I've never had one. I'm sure someone on here will chime in though

 

[Hobgob]

Apparently calcium helps make the shell harder but the crayfish doesn't leave the exoskeleton until it feels it is hard enough. But still I don't have any experience with them.

 

[Divis_Julius]

Apparently calcium helps make the shell harder but the crayfish doesn't leave the exoskeleton until it feels it is hard enough. But still I don't have any experience with them.

Do you know where I can get an appropriate calcium source?

 

[bud29]

You shouldn't have to add anything. Sometimes he will eat his shedded exoskeleton for calcium. His new exoskeleton will harden and he will be fine.

 

[Divis_Julius]

You shouldn't have to add anything. Sometimes he will eat his shedded exoskeleton for calcium. His new exoskeleton will harden and he will be fine.

My water has no hardness, this is a concern for me.

 

[jcolon]

My water has no hardness, this is a concern for me.

Limestone, marble and or crushed corals in the filter will help to provide calcium into the water.

 

[sheilak]

crayfish molt

i had heard that a bird cuttlefish bone would help with shrimp i dont own either but it is worth a shot but ask others since im giving second hand news

 

[Divis_Julius]

Well I've bought coral and mineral stabilizer. So hopefully my crayfish will be happy.

 

[MacDracor]

If the cray has been growing fine, it's been getting calcium somewhere. It can also reabsorb the calcium in its shell by eating it. If you have any snails, they are a good indicator of calcium deficiency. In water with no calcium, snail shells tend to be soft and pitted. If you're not seeing any problems like that, the cray should be fine. Especially after he eats himself. Lol

 

[Divis_Julius]

If the cray has been growing fine, it's been getting calcium somewhere. It can also reabsorb the calcium in its shell by eating it. If you have any snails, they are a good indicator of calcium deficiency. In water with no calcium, snail shells tend to be soft and pitted. If you're not seeing any problems like that, the cray should be fine. Especially after he eats himself. Lol

The snail in my tank doesn't look too good. But he wasn't perfect when I got him.

 

[Autumnsky]

I use a chunk of bird cuttle bone (no additives). It will sink after awhile then i just push it into the sand and the shrimp/or cray can go over to it whenever they want.

Be cautious and follow instructions on the mineral stuff!