Considering a Dwarf Crayfish? Or other awesome crustacean?

Hello all!

So I have a 10G at home, cycled with a large piece of driftwood and live plants and a heater (though I understand this isn't necessarily needed for some kinds of crayfish?). Currently uninhabited. I would really like to know if I have any crustacean options I can consider for the tank. I've kept shrimp before, but would like to venture out into other crustaceans, but of course I would like to stay within the limits of my tank and not pick a species that will eventually outgrow it.

I'm really open to any options, if there are any. I've done some research, but want some more tips if possible. I'm a huge advocate of live plants and keeping nerite snails, so those are my two kinda caveats if possible (not a make-or-break-it type thing). Since I'm new-ish to crayfish/crabs, something hardy and easy to care for would be preferable. Low maintenance as well! This tank would be a one species only tank (besides possible nerite snail).

I've done a little research on mexican dwarf crayfish and thaI micro crabs and they're adorable. Any other suggestions or tips on what I've already mentioned would be appreciated!

Thanks so much!

 

red claw crabs would work but you need some land for those

fiddler crab needs land too and they are brackish but you can look into those (the nerites would do fine in brackish if let in slowly)

there are a bunch of colorful crayfish to choose from dwarf or full size

cant think of any others right now...


ive always drooled over the thaI micro crab,they are small and look really cool...maybe someday

 

A 10 would be perfect for a CPO(Mexican dwarf crayfish)! IME, they do best alone, they get angry if they aren't fed everyday.

 

After doing some initial research, I'm kind of in love with fiddler crabs... they're so freaking cute! I love the idea of challenging myself to do a half land/half water aquascape. I'm going to ponder on this a bit more. Thanks so much!!

 

make sure you get REAL saltwater salt (for saltwater fish) if you go with fiddlers,the aquarium salt will not work.

id use instant ocean salt,I have some and I like it!
I'm not sure how to slowly add salt to make brackish if you get them from someplace that has them in freshwater.

 

make sure you get REAL saltwater salt (for saltwater fish) if you go with fiddlers,the aquarium salt will not work.

id use instant ocean salt,I have some and I like it!
I'm not sure how to slowly add salt to make brackish if you get them from someplace that has them in freshwater.

I assume I'd just have to acclimate them slowly... hm. Thanks for the advice! I knew aquarium salt wasn't the way to do it but the brand name helps a lot. I shall look look into it. Hopefully I'll be able to acquire them from a place that already has them in brackish. Thank you!!

 

you probably need a hydrometer to measure the salt that's in the water,dont know what kinds the best.maybe someone else would know

 

I've been reading up on Saltwater tanks because I aspire to have one when I'm rich (insert sobbing face here) and a lot of people recommend refractometers... so maybe I'll get one and invest in it now for the future haha.