Is there a specific dietary nutrient that can be increased to encourage a molt? My cherax holthusi is having a bit of an algae problem on his shell, and i don't like the idea of trying to 'wash' it off.
Encouraging a molt
- Thread starter Wippit Guud
- Start date
Iodine is supposedly good for inverts, helps with shedding properly. Calcium keeps carapace strong, There is no way to induce shedding though.
How about adding floating plants to offer him some shade?
How about adding floating plants to offer him some shade?
An increase in protein high foods will encourage the molting process, as will increasing the temperature of the tank water a few degrees. However, if you crayfish is getting algae on it, perhaps you should be focusing on why your tank is growing algae instead of trying to get the cray to molt (without treating the algae, the new shell is going to develop algae as well, no?).
Edit: I'm still familiarizing myself with the Cherax holthusi species, having only one at the moment. But from personal experience and input from other keepers, this species prefers more vegetable matter than meat. The high protein foods might be an issue... in which case, focusing on the algae growth might be an easier solution. *shrugs* But I can't be definite on this one... still a new species to me.
Edit: I'm still familiarizing myself with the Cherax holthusi species, having only one at the moment. But from personal experience and input from other keepers, this species prefers more vegetable matter than meat. The high protein foods might be an issue... in which case, focusing on the algae growth might be an easier solution. *shrugs* But I can't be definite on this one... still a new species to me.
Yep.......black_sun;2539348; said:
How often do you clean the tank??? Try cleaning the gravel more or cutting down on the feed a little. Only have the lights on when you are looking at them or like above, put some floating plants in. I use Duckweed. They love eating it and a freshly covered tank doesn't last a week!!!
Other than that.........a salt bath...
I'll be the first to admit I'm not diligent about cleaning... mind you, the tank itself doesn't have much algae (water change every 2 weeks). I only feed every other day, alternate between a rabbit pellet and either a shrimp pellet or a treat (loves a couple of cooked rice grains).