Tank Requirements
Here you can find the information you need to properly set up a crayfish tank, make sure to cycle your aquarium first.
Monitor the pH level of the aquarium water. Crayfish prefer water with a pH level between 7.0 and 8.5. You can use water additives to adjust the pH level if you need to.
TANK SIZE
The bigger the better. Crayfish can be kept in a minimum of a 10 gallon tank, a 20 gallon is recommended but if he will be housed by himself it should be fine. Adults can reach up to 8 inches so an upgrade to a larger size might be needed in the future.
HEATING
A heater in not required because they can live at room temperature. The ideal temperature is between 68 and 80 degrees, they do best at a set temp so a heater is a good addition.
FILTRATION
A filter is not required but without one you will need to do very frequent water changes (At least once per week). Also, a filter helps oxygenate the water, without oxygenation the crayfish will drown unless you have a log that reaches out of the water so that it can breath. If you will not be using a filter I recommend adding an air stone.
SUBSTRATE
Crayfish need substrate for their legs to grip or they will have a hard time traveling the floor, they also enjoy burrowing. Gravel or sand can be used.
DECORATIONS
Crayfish NEED caves. They love the darkness so typically they will hide during the day and come out at night. They also need caves to hide from fish and molt. When they molt their exoskeleton is soft and can take a couple days to harden, this makes them vulnerable to fish or other crayfish eating them. Hollowed rocks, logs, and pieces of pvc tubing work well for caves. If you are going to have plants use fake ones, crayfish will eat live plants.
Crayfish are very good escape artists, they can climb the corners of the tank and air hoses to the top and exit through any gaps in the lid they can fit through. Tin foil is a good way to block openings.
Monitor the pH level of the aquarium water. Crayfish prefer water with a pH level between 7.0 and 8.5. You can use water additives to adjust the pH level if you need to.
TANK SIZE
The bigger the better. Crayfish can be kept in a minimum of a 10 gallon tank, a 20 gallon is recommended but if he will be housed by himself it should be fine. Adults can reach up to 8 inches so an upgrade to a larger size might be needed in the future.
HEATING
A heater in not required because they can live at room temperature. The ideal temperature is between 68 and 80 degrees, they do best at a set temp so a heater is a good addition.
FILTRATION
A filter is not required but without one you will need to do very frequent water changes (At least once per week). Also, a filter helps oxygenate the water, without oxygenation the crayfish will drown unless you have a log that reaches out of the water so that it can breath. If you will not be using a filter I recommend adding an air stone.
SUBSTRATE
Crayfish need substrate for their legs to grip or they will have a hard time traveling the floor, they also enjoy burrowing. Gravel or sand can be used.
DECORATIONS
Crayfish NEED caves. They love the darkness so typically they will hide during the day and come out at night. They also need caves to hide from fish and molt. When they molt their exoskeleton is soft and can take a couple days to harden, this makes them vulnerable to fish or other crayfish eating them. Hollowed rocks, logs, and pieces of pvc tubing work well for caves. If you are going to have plants use fake ones, crayfish will eat live plants.
Crayfish are very good escape artists, they can climb the corners of the tank and air hoses to the top and exit through any gaps in the lid they can fit through. Tin foil is a good way to block openings.