What Is The Best Fish Tank For a Crayfish?
What is the best fish tank for a pet crayfish? Well, the answer to this question depends on a few things. Do you plan on having other fish live with your pet crayfish? Do you plan on having another pet crayfish all together? Because if you do, a desktop aquarium or 10 gallon fish tank probably won't be ideal. I know from experience. Personally, I'd recommend a 20 gallon fish tank for just one crayfish, nothing smaller.
Crayfish Are Very Dirty
Crayfish are dirty little creatures. They put out a lot of waste. And this waste can make your tank ugly and toxic for other fish, if you have them. With a bigger tank, like a 20 gallon tank, there's more water to take on the load of all of your pet crayfish's waste.
Crayfish Are Aggressive and Territorial
Crayfish will eat and fight just about anything. They are super aggressive and territorial. Having said that, if you plan on having other fish in your tank, you want a tank that is large enough to hold everyone comfortably. Having a bigger tank will reduce the chances that your other fish get eaten by your pet crayfish. They'll have more space to swim. And your pet crayfish will have his little territory all to himself. Remember though, with crayfish, any other fish in your tank may become crayfish food at any given moment. I always suggest putting aggressive fish in the tank and fish that swim near the top. Red tail shark, mollies and hatchet fish can often work well with pet crayfish. They have for me in the past anyway.
Water Changes
With a fish tank that is a minimum of 20 gallons, managing water changes for your crayfish, and other fish, will be much easier. Speaking of, make sure that you change roughly 25% of the water weekly. This will ensure a healthy, clean tank. One that will help keep your other fish remain healthy, as well as your pet crayfish.
If You Get Two Crayfish
If you decide to get two crayfish and put them in one fish tank. Based on my experience, it's only a matter of time before one eats the other. Personally, I think you'll need a tank bigger than 20 gallons for two crayfish. However, if you must have two crayfish, make sure you have separate hideouts for them both. These can be bought online, made out of PVC or found in most pet stores that sell aquariums.