How to Build a Crayfish Terrarium
A terrarium usually contains everything necessary for small reptiles and amphibians to survive. Terrariums can also hold small animals such as snails and crayfish. Read on to learn how to build a crayfish terrarium.
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Things You'll Need
- Fifteen gallon fish aquarium tank
- Pebbles
- Artificial or live water plants
- Cold water
- Big rocks
- Crayfish
- Crayfish food
Instructions
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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Tips & Warnings
Crayfish is pronounced just like it's spelled in some areas of the country, while it's pronounced "craw-fish" in other regions. They're also called "crawdads" and "mudbugs." They look like miniature lobsters.
Use artificial plants to avoid the hassle of maintaining plants along with your crayfish.
Only one crayfish can inhabit the terrarium. Crayfish are territorial and have been known to eat any other crayfish in the tank with them.
