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Old 01-08-2008, 12:45 PM   #17
Gus
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Join Date: Feb 2003
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That is a great question. The first things to stay away from is animal proteins in your water from the like of beef etc only from a water quality point of view. Fish is a better form of animal protein in this case and live/very fresh is the best option.

The second thing to watch for is insecticides on the vegetables you are feeding your crayfish, they will kill them very very quickly. Crayfish are not much different to other insect crustaceans and are just as sensitive to insecticides. I would not be surprised if this was the cause of a majority of "mysterious" deaths in aquariums.

The biggest thing to watch when feeding, or doing anything to your crayfish is copper. That said, best to not over feed foods that are high in coper as it will build up in their system and kill them. Foods like the following...

Shrimp
avocados
grapes
almonds
peanuts
mushrooms
legumes
brazils
cashews
poppy seeds
sunflower
chickpeas
liver

The above list is only to say do not over feed on these items, not to say do not feed them at all. Just avoid where you can. The funny thing about crayfish and other crustaceans, like shrimp, is they are naturally very high in copper so feeding your crayfish other crayfish constantly would no doubt actually harm them.

Lettuce is also used as a natural insecticide. When boiled, cooled and the water left used in a sprayer, will kill flies, so possibly one to avoid.

If anyone has any other stuff to add by all means...
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