Limestone for Isopods

If you're keeping isopods, you may have heard that supplementing their diet with limestone can be beneficial. Limestone is a natural source of calcium and can help support the growth of isopods.

What Are Isopods?

Isopods are small, crustacean-like creatures that are often kept as pets or used as a food source for other animals. They come in a variety of sizes and colours, and are popular in the pet trade due to their ease of care and interesting behaviour. Isopods are also important decomposers in nature, breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.

Why Supplement with Limestone?

Isopods need calcium to support their exoskeleton and to grow properly. In the wild, they would get calcium by consuming decaying plant matter or by feeding on calcium-rich soil. However, in captivity, their diet may not always provide them with enough calcium. This is where supplementing with limestone comes in.

Limestone is a natural source of calcium carbonate, which is easily digested by isopods. By adding limestone to their diet, you can ensure that they are getting the calcium they need to thrive. Additionally, limestone can help regulate pH levels in the substrate, making it a beneficial addition to any isopod enclosure.

How to Supplement Isopods with Limestone

Adding limestone to your isopod's diet is easy. You can either crush up a small amount of limestone into a fine powder and sprinkle it over their food, or you can add a small piece of limestone to their enclosure. Make sure to only add a small amount at a time, as too much calcium can be harmful.

It's also important to note that not all types of limestone are safe for isopods. You should only use food-grade or aquarium-grade limestone, which has been tested for purity and is free from harmful contaminants.

Things to Keep in Mind

While supplementing with limestone can be beneficial, it's important to not rely solely on it for your isopod's calcium needs. Make sure to provide a varied diet that includes calcium-rich foods such as leaf litter, fruits, and vegetables. In addition, make sure that your isopod's enclosure is clean and well-maintained, as poor sanitation can lead to health problems.

Supplementing isopods with limestone can be a great way to ensure they are getting the calcium they need to thrive. Just make sure to use only food-grade or aquarium-grade limestone, and to not rely solely on it for their calcium needs. By providing a varied diet and keeping their enclosure clean, you can help ensure that your isopods stay healthy and happy.