Copper and Copper Sulfate

[KittyCaller]

I've been searching around trying to find out what makes copper or copper sulfate so bad for crustaceans and our hermies. All this may be old news to some crabbers, but I didn't know so thought others might not also. It's been confusing. First, apparently some copper is absolutely necessary in their diet. Luckily, they're probably getting enough by feeding what we usually do. If you're concerned, give them some krill. It has a considerable amount of copper, when compared to, say, fish meal. It also has zinc, which is necessary. Copper apparently aids in the formation of collagen, and therefore, it probably helps with forming the exo, and it also helps with antioxident systems. Copper, in water however, WILL kill crusteaceans. On to copper sulfate, which is just a type of copper salt. (And for an added bonus, when hydrated it's bright blue! ) It is true that copper sulfate is used as a fungicide, pesticide, and mulluscide. BUT it's also found in nearly every cat food or dog food. I'm not talking run of the mill brands either. It's in all natural, expensive and organic brands. Maybe it's possible, that in trace amounts, it's actually beneficial. Perhaps like regular copper, in water it's hazardous for inverts, but in small amounts dietarily, it's useable. I'm not saying we should or shouldn't be afraid of it. I'm planning on writing to the folks at T-Rex and asking them about why they use it in Fruit and Flower. I'm curious to see if there's a particular reason why they use it. They don't use ethoxyquin, so maybe they do use copper sulfate for a reason. (For those of you using Crab Island, the regular food does Not contain it)

[Froggz37]

Crabs have different excretory systems than cats or dogs do, and copper sulfate is used to kill slugs in gardening.Post this at the epicurean hermit for Julia_crabs take on it, she can explain it MUCH better for ya hun. Unfortunately she can't see it here at LHC.

[KittyCaller]

I just sent them an email, but I'm sending a letter via Snail Mail as well on Monday. I also asked about Cobalt Sulfate, since some questioned it as well. Meanwhile I came across this on a website. Of course, the company is SELLING these ingredients, but if it's anywhere close to true, it's interesting. quote:Product Name: Copper SulfatePlace of Origin: ChinaCopper takes a part in synthesis of hemoglobin, synthesis and activation of some enzymes in animals. Copper, iron and cobalt are called haematogenous elements. Lack of copper will incur anemia, myasthenia of limbs, ataxia and arrest of development. High dosage of copper (100 - 250mg per kg feed) can improve growth and lower feed consumption. quote:Cobalt participates in the synthesis of vitamin B12 in animals' bodies. Animals lacking cobalt will affect the synthesis of vitamin B12 by animalcule in alimentary canal so that leads to anemia. For ruminants, lacking cobalt can lead to inappetence, retarded growth, anemia, thick and disorderly clothing hair, reproduction prevented. It's also possible that these ingredients are included in petfoods so often because they're necessary for Mammals, but I'm not so sure about our hermies.

[Willow]

I wonder if it affect crustaceans in the same way. Also, a lot of the stuff used to "improve growth and lower feed consumption" in livestock isn't necessarily healthy....meat animals aren't going to live long so they just do whatever it take to help them grow faster and larger. It muct be important to mammals if they add it to high-quality pet foods, but I wonder how much is an ideal dose?