Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
Triops food
Sea almond leaf
Aquarium filter
Lighting
Substrate
Decoration
Heating
Cleaning
ThermometerGuide
What aquarium size do Triops need?
If you are thinking about breeding Triops, i.e. prehistoric crayfish, an important question quickly arises: How big should the aquarium actually be? The right aquarium size is crucial for the well-being of your animals, the water quality and ultimately the breeding success. In this blog article, you will find out what you should look out for when choosing the right tank size.
Start small, but not too small
Many beginners start with rearing kits, which often contain very small tanks, sometimes just 0.5 to one litre in size. This is sufficient for the Triops nauplii to hatch, especially if you only use a small amount of eggs and change the water regularly. However, as soon as the animals grow, they need more space. Triops can grow up to five or even eight centimetres depending on the species. And they grow quickly!
A permanent life in a mini tank is therefore unsuitable for adult Triops. Too little space means more stress, poorer water values and a higher risk of cannibalism among the animals.
The recommended minimum size
For the permanent keeping and breeding of Triops you should use an aquarium with a capacity of at least ten litres, 20 to 30 litres are better if you want to keep several animals at the same time. This will ensure the following:
- Sufficient swimming space for the active crayfish
- More stable water values, as a larger volume reacts less sensitively to temperature fluctuations and impurities
- More substrate area, which is important as Triops dig a lot and search for food in the sand
So if you are planning to set up a real small Triops colony or even start breeding, you should give them the space they need.
Triops are bottom dwellers and do not swim constantly in open water like fish. Above all, they need substrate space. A shallow but wide aquarium is therefore ideal. If you have the choice, opt for an aquarium with a large base rather than one with a lot of height.
A good size for a Triops tank could be, for example, 40 × 25 × 20 centimetres (L × W × H) with a water content of 20 litres. This gives the animals space to dig, swim and get out of each other’s way, which is particularly important when they become more territorial.
And what about the water level?
Triops can survive in very shallow puddles, but you should adjust the water level in the aquarium: In the first few days of life, a water level of three to five centimetres is completely sufficient; this makes it easier for the nauplii to find their food. Later on, you can gradually increase the water level as soon as they are swimming safely and are more stable. In a large tank, the water level can then be as high as 15 to 20 centimetres.
What size aquarium do Triops need? – Conclusion
Triops need space, not only to grow, but also for a healthy, active life. An aquarium of ten litres or more is the absolute minimum for adult animals. If you really want to do them some good, use 20 to 30 litres, make sure there is a large bottom area and adjust the water level to their development phase. This will create ideal conditions for your little prehistoric inhabitants and you will be rewarded with exciting insights into their world.
Good luck with your Triops breeding!
