What Is the Best Way to Make a Crawfish Tank?

Crawfish are small crustaceans that closely resemble lobsters. They are often much smaller, however, and inhabit freshwater environments. Crawfish can either be kept as pets or eaten as food. Either way, it is important that they have a tank capable of keeping them healthy and stress-free. Putting together a suitable crawfish tank requires only minimal materials, and caring for the creatures is simple.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank (glass aquarium or plastic bin at least 14 inches deep and with a lid)
  • In-tank filter
  • Box cutting knife
  • Chicken wire
  • Hot glue gun
  • Aquarium filter
  • Aquarium sand
  • Aquarium hood
  • Dechlorinator
  • PVC pipe sections or aquarium-safe rocks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay 2 inches of aquarium sand at the bottom of a container such as a glass aquarium, open cooler or plastic storage bin. Glass aquariums will allow you to display your crawfish in their environment, but plastic storage bins are considerably cheaper.

    • 2

      Fill the container with fresh water. The glass aquariums may be filled completely to the top, but fill plastic storage bins only about halfway. Add liquid dechlorinator to the water to remove harmful chemicals like chlorine. The proper dosage will be on the product's packaging and varies according to manufacturer.

    • 3

      Install the filters. Standard aquarium filters will hang off the back of the glass aquarium and filter water with a suction tube. You must use an in-tank filter with the plastic bin. Attach the in-tank filter to the side of the bin with the included suction cups. The top of the filter should reach a few inches above the waterline.

    • 4

      Scatter PVC pipe sections around the aquarium or bin. Crawfish love to climb and hide, so the PVC provides a nice playground for your animals. You may also use aquarium-safe rocks as a more attractive alternative.

    • 5

      Cut a large opening (at least two-thirds the width of the lid) into the lid of the storage bin and hot-glue chicken wire over the opening. Cut a niche in the side of the lid for the filter's power cord. This will serve as the lid. It should fit tightly over the storage bin to prevent crawfish escape while still letting you observe your animals. Place the aquarium hood over the tank if you used a glass aquarium.

    • 6

      Power on the filters and let the water cycle for 48 hours before you add your crawfish. You do not need heaters if the temperature around the tank does not go below 55 degrees F.