Things You'll Need
- 10-gallon or larger tank with light
- Gravel or aquarium sand
- Filter
- Rocks
- Aquatic plants
Instructions
Lay several inches of fine gravel or sand in the tank. Crayfish burrow to escape from predators. Providing the opportunity for this behavior reduces stress to the animal.
Install a basic aquarium filter run by an air pump. Some species of crayfish also require a heater.
Arrange rocks to provide hiding places.
Fill the tank with tap water and allow it to settle for 24 hours. This allows chlorine to dissipate. In future to dechlorinate tap water for water changes, either let the water sit in buckets for a day or use a commercial dechlorinator, available from aquarium supply stores.
Introduce aquatic plants, especially tough, fast-growing varieties, such as floating hornwort. Crayfish are likely to eat some of the plants so resilient plants are the best choice, especially floating types.
Let the tank cycle for about a week before introducing your crayfish.