Crawfish and Black Moors

Question
I have two aquarium questions.

1) I have a ten-gallon aquarium with nothing in it, and I would like a crawfish (crayfish, crawdad, etc.) of some sort in it. I understand that some species need larger aquariums. Is there any species that would be ok in a ten-gallon? It would be the only tank inhabitant. (The tank has a filter, heater, and large bubble stone.) I understand that in some places, crawfish are illegal. I am in Florida, if that is helpful.

2. I also have a Black Moor in a 5-gallon, which I have come to find out is much too small. What set-up should I get for this fish? Could it be by itself in a 20 gallon, or do I have to get it a friend(s) and what size tank? The tank would be filtered and heated. I need to know what size tank to get, and if s/he can be kept alone, or if she needs friends.  

Answer
Dear Kaiyeba,
1) Crawfish are excellent interesting little creatures. Fortunately most species offered for sale are stay small and do fine in aquariums of 10 gallons setup with their well-being in mind. The "Electric Blue Crayfish" is often available and usually grows no longer than 2-7 inches. They have a naturally occuring blue pigment. The Blue crayfish (scientific name- Procambarus Alleni) is actually native to the Florida Everglades. These crayfish are even known to breed in the aquarium. Blue Crayfish also have a decent lifespan of up to 5 years.

*~The majority of Crayfish species care is the same. Remember that your color is directly related to their enviroment. Good water quality is essential, insure there is no ammonia or nitrites in your water which can easily be accomplished by insuring the substrate has an established beneficial bacterial colony. Your current setup has all the basics required to keep a crawfish. Now you just need to make the aquarium like a natural enviroment for the crawfish. These creatures lose caves to hide in and should have plenty of them. They enjoy perching on plants--which can be real or plastic, sometimes crayfish will nibble on live plants so plastic or silk may be your best bet. They also love any rocks or driftwood to explore and climb about on. A sandy substrate is really appreciated by crayfish also. You can slowly and gradually change over your substrate if you'd like to a finer gravel or sand if you'd prefer, just don't change it all at once to insure you do not deplete bacterial populations too quickly.

A crawfish's diet is largely omnivorous. They will accept anything from a chunk of thawed out salad shrimp, to a slice of zuchinni. Variety seems to be most important. A base diet of good quality shrimp pellets/or sinking wafers for bottom feeding fish works well, supplement this staple frequently with green foods like spinach, zuchinni, green peas, and lettuce. Usually all manner of fish foods are eagerly taken and are great to supplement their diet.

~Water changes are essential for all aquariums and especially crawfish. There is no rule to how much to change or the frequency as all aquariums are different in their filtration or feeding routine and the fishes or aquatic creatures bioload. I always try to change 30% or more twice a week. You may adjust according to your individual situation. *Remember to always make the replacement water equal in temperature to that of your aquarium and always insure it is properly dechlorinated with a good water conditioner.

(Lastly, insure the crayfish cannot escape your aquarium so be sure to cover any hole in your aquarium cover with plastic mesh quilting material cut to fit and weighted with a few small stones.

I am currently not aware of Crayfish being illegal in your area. I do know there are restrictions to ship Crayfish to California, Minnesota, and Arizona. If I find out of Crayfish are illegal in Florida I will be sure to let you know. So far, I have not heard.

2) I'm glad you are moving your Black moore to a larger aquarium. Goldfish need larger aquariums and do so much better in them. In a 20 gallon you could afford to keep another friend for the black moore but understocking it best. Such a setup should have an excellent filter which can be a Hang-on-the-back (HOB) Power filter such as Emperor penguin Bio-wheel which works extremely well for goldfish. Getting a filter that is rated higher than your aquarium capacity is even better. Goldfish thrive in good oxygenated water. A good working power filter such as your the HOB emperor filter will adequately oxygenate the water but an additional airstone makes it that much better.
~When starting your new goldfish aquarium, it must be cycled to establish beneficial bacterial colonies to prevent your fish from becoming seriously ill from ammonia or nitrite. You may be able to get by using all or most of the gravel from your 5 gallon and if a filter is used, take that filter material and use it in your newly setup aquarium, doing this will help "seed" your new aquarium with already established bacteria but may not completely cycle your aquarium--it will certainly help. Testing your water for ammonia and nitrites is essential.
*You may also do a very careful cycling using your black moore but you must insure to test your water everyday and at the first sign of ammonia or nitrite buildup--be prepared to do a 30-50% water change without delay.
Actually a goldfish aquarium doesn't need to be heated. Goldfish are coolwater fish and do fine in room temperature water. They actually do a bit better in cooler water.

Goldfish definately appreciate having company of their own kind. In a 20gal please do not stock more than 2.

Well, I know your Black moore will certainly appreciate the larger amount of room a  bigger aquarium provides. Goldfish also appreciate a planted aquarium, they nibble plants but I have found they do not do too much harm to hardier plants like Hornwort or Ancharis. All in all, a decent sized aquarium is the greatest gift you could give your Black moore, he/she certainly deserves it. ;-)

Best wishes and Happy fishkeeping!
Karen~

Overall, A crawfish or two would be a excellent choice for your aquarium. They do best in a species aquarium and I know you'd enjoy them. I happen to really love them!