Things You'll Need:
- Fifteen gallon fish aquarium tank
- Pebbles
- Artificial or live water plants
- Cold water
- Big rocks
- Crayfish
- Crayfish food
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Step 1
Choose the largest terrarium container you can. The bigger the terrarium, the easier it is to maintain. A 15- to 20-gallon fish aquarium is an excellent choice for a crayfish terrarium, because these "mudbugs" need room to grow.
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Step 2
Buy plants adaptable to a water environment; crayfish must have water to survive. The best live plants for a crayfish terrarium are the Elodea plants, and you'll find these at local fish or pet shops. Search the Internet for pet supply retailers.
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Step 3
Add a layer of pebbles to the bottom of the aquarium. Use a natural colored pebble for better results, although the crayfish don't seem to have a preference for color. Add the plants and push as far down into the pebbles as necessary to hold them in place.
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Step 4
Fill the terrarium with several inches of cold water, at least enough to allow the crayfish to be under water. Put a few larger rocks in the terrarium to add some variety.
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Step 5
Catch a crayfish in local streams and rivers, or buy one at a bait shop. Some pet shops may sell crayfish. You might even search on the Internet for science retailers sell live animals for scientific research.
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Step 6
Purchase food for your crayfish. They'll eat most anything, but are partial to shrimp or crab food from a pet shop. Be sure to feed your crayfish a varied diet, including lettuce and other green foods. Soak some dry cat food in water for a few minutes and give it to your crayfish as a treat.
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Step 7
Clean out the crayfish terrarium at least once a month. Crayfish leave bits of food in the water and this can cause filth build up, along with natural crayfish waste. Use a clear container as a temporary home for the crayfish while you clean out the main crayfish terrarium. Add fresh water to the terrarium.
