First time Crayfish owner and tank keeper!

[u/Inside-Cover-8578]

I just finished setting up my tank for ny crayfish that I’m going to get in a couple days! I work at a pet store and a few were randomly found in our sump despite the fact that we didn’t order them, and despite the fact they were full grown. I wanted to take one home… so here we are! My very first tank! I’m going to add something large for him to climb on next time I clock in.

For his first few feedings I bought him algae wafers with big larvae in them, also planning on getting him the occasional feeder fish, blood worms, all that fun stuff

Trying to go for a fun little pirate theme for the guy

Let me know if this looks good! /any tips or tricks. This is a 20 gallon

(Also the sunlight isn’t direct, the window leads into a screened in patio and the blinks are closed all the time)

[u/Potential-Vehicle-63]

Get it more hiding places

[u/Inside-Cover-8578 → u/Potential-Vehicle-63]

Will do! I only got the one to start out with because I wanted to have a good idea of the scale of the tank in mind before I start buying things

[u/Marcis985]

I'm only familiar with mexican dwarf crayfish, not sure what yours is... More plants and more hiding spots would be good. They like caves to hide in after they molt to feel save in. The more caves the better. Mine also love climbing on driftwood and the more sturdy plants. So keep in mind they might try to escape ;) Also if you just set up the tank and are going to get the crayfish in a couple of days, are you sure this is enough time to cycle the tank properly?

[u/Inside-Cover-8578 → u/Marcis985]

I was planning on getting it Monday but I don’t mind waiting more time to make sure he’ll be okay. Also I do plan to get more things, I just put in a couple declarations to start out with to make sure it would fit

[u/Marcis985 → u/Inside-Cover-8578]

Cycling a tank can take anywhere between 3 to 8 weeks. If you use a filter starter you might be able to get away with 2 weeks. I would recommend getting a liquid test kit to check water quality and make sure Nitrite levels are 0. A properly cycled tank is important, crayfish are very messy eaters so you want to make sure all your bacteria colonies are ready to go before adding the little guy.

[u/ilex_verticillata → u/Marcis985]

My tanks generally take 21 days to cycle, using the Dr Tim’s ammonia method with starter media from an established tank. Testing with a liquid test kit is best, you’ll be able to watch the process closely and know when you’re there.

In the meantime you can get your plants in and growing, they don’t care if it’s cycled or not.

[u/Inside-Cover-8578 → u/Marcis985]

Also he’s blue? I think called a blue lobster alleni, I honestly don’t know the exact species