cuttlefish as a supplement

[roscoeb]

Hi
I have read various threads about using cuttlefish as a calcium supplement.
My question is will the shrimps graze on the cuttlefish or is it more of a breaking down and tiny deposits landing on moss?

Thanks for helping a newbie
Ross

[jayc]

Cuttlefish bones are made of Calcium carbonate.

Don't know if the shrimps eat it.

But the bones slowly breakdown releasing Calcium Carbonate into the water. 

You wouldn't be able to see it, except for maybe the first time you place the bone into the water, where you will see a small whitish cloud.

Cuttlefish bones are not usually recommended in shrimp tanks. Cichlid tanks ,yes, and any tank that needs to maintain a high KH and pH.

But it is too hard to control the amount of CaCO3 being released into a shrimp tank. And the constant fluctuation in KH, pH and TDS is not good. You could experiment with trial and error, with a small piece to see if you can find the optimum amount of bone to use where it does not raise KH, pH and TDS, but instead maintain a level that does not rise or fall.

Edited July 20, 2016 by jayc

[roscoeb]

Thanks for your reply ☺

I'll stick to relying on shrimp food containing calcium

[jayc]

13 minutes ago, roscoeb said:

relying on shrimp food containing calcium

Yep, that and the remineralising products like Salty Shrimp, that adds Calcium and Magnesium.

That's the secret with Calcium. Just adding cuttlefish bones for Calcium is no use if you don't maintain appropriate levels of Magnesium -  4:1 (Ca:Mg ratio).

[roscoeb]

Hi

Yes that certainly makes sense. Thanks again ☺

Your replies have been a great help

Roscoe

[NoGi]

Great reply @jayc, your knowledge knows no bounds. Always great for me to learn new things.?

[jayc]

1 minute ago, NoGi said:

Always great for me to learn new things.

Really?

I thought you know all there is to know about shrimp keeping.

 

 

[NoGi]

no way, I'm just the pretty face behind the scene lol

[jayc]

HAHA.

 

Anyway @roscoeb, 

here is an article on how calcium and magnesium work together....

http://calmag-c.com/2009/01/how-calcium-and-magnesium-work-in-your-body/

"Your body also uses magnesium to help convert food into energy and helps your body absorb calcium and potassium. In fact, calcium cannot be absorbed without it."

 

The magnesium keeps the calcium soluble otherwise it clumps together into a mass that is not easily absorbed by the body.

The article is in relation to human bodies, but it works the same in fish or shrimp when talking about calcium.

 

[roscoeb]

Great article

Thanks so much for your help :-)

Roscoe