Blue Cray Questions- please help :)

[severum mama]

So I went to my LFS today to get some Pimafix (one of my angels has a fungus on his mouth) and of course I had to check out all the tanks there. Well, they have a blue crayfish and I really really want it, and it's the first time I've seen one available locally. Would it be possible to keep one alone in a 5 gallon hex tank, or does it need a minimum of 10 gallons? Do crayfish have a preference for sand or gravel? I know they shred real plants, will they bother fake ones? Do they like decor like driftwood or does it just get in their way? TIA!!!

 

[Jchillin]

I believe, based on one of my close associates, a 5 gal is fine. I believe he also uses normal aquarium gravel for the tank. I can't say for sure about plants and wood but, judging from the title, that member will definitely add to this.

 

[severum mama]

Does his handle start with a Q? I almost sent him a PM. I really think I should get this guy- just the thing to pull me out of that post-surgery slump! Plus, the LFS owner has him in a tank with a beautiful pair of GBRs! I tried to gently point out that it wouldn't work, but he really thinks they will be ok together!! So by buying the cray, I will also be saving the rams. And, they only want 20 bucks for him. That seems more than reasonable to me.

I may actually go ahead and get a 10 gal Walmart kit, I don't think it is much more than the 5 gal hex. I'll keep ya posted.

 

[severum mama]

Oh, one more thing... how sensitive are crays? Would it be ok if I set up a tank later on and seeded the filter like I always do? Or would he need a very established tank?

 

[Jchillin]

I believe they do better in a cycled tank but I can't say for sure. I guess at this point, since your eyes are definitely fixed on him, get into one of your famous seeded tanks.

 

[QTOFFER]

I have absolutely no idea who this 'close associate' of Jchillin is.

Severum, a 5 gal will work fine for one cray, but a. Gravel or sand is fine - they love to dig. No heater is better, and the water must be well aerated - I use an airstone. My blue cray ignored a big clump of live Java moss for two months, and then completely destroyed it overnight. Little stinker plugged up the HOB filter - the intake tube was stuffed full of shredded Java moss! It's a good thing I noticed it before I went to work that day. He actually tried cutting up the plastic plants too with a little success!

I've lost my crays to mysterious causes during moults. I'm not sure if that's because the tanks were not well established. In both tanks, I used a sponge filter, or filter media pilfered from my well established tanks. One thing about sponge filters: my big cray, Ebirah picked it apart in a few weeks. These critters sure are a destructive lot!

 

[severum mama]

I plan to use a seeded HOB, probably an Aquaclear 150. I didn't know that about the airstone- I already have a pump so I'll be sure to pick one up. I will also be sure to stick with fake plants!!! 8O

I hope I can keep him alive, but I seem to know more about their care than the LFS so I guess I have a better chance than they do. I'll let you know what happens after I get off work. Thank you!!!

 

[talloulou]

How exciting for you Severum Mama! You will have to post pictures when you get your new critter. I have seen them in stores around here and they are very pretty.

 

[severum mama]

Well, I went and picked up a tank, hood, filter, gravel, and fake plants. I looked at the kits and the only cheap ones had incandescent hoods. I used one with my old 10 gal setup and found that the incandescent bulbs fry the tank, so I had to buy the hood separately. Then I went to the LFS and paid for the cray, and I expect to pick him up tomorrow. My tank won't look too exciting at least until next payday. But it's a start, and I had to make sure no one else would get him! I will post pics as soon as I get him in the tank.

 

[tetrin]

i think TG has a pair. might try pm'ing her. i've always been a little scared of these guys. but someday, someday...

 

[Jchillin]

He makes a cool addition Severum. Don't worry about asthetics for now.

 

[rich311k]

Good luck with him Severum. I am sure he will make a great addition to your collection.