I recently was reminded of a critter I used to keep in several tanks that I had gotten accidently with some plants. It is called a scud. I mentioned them in the invert forum but I think it is of interest to people looking for a home grown feeder for predators, even large ones like scuds.
These guys can be grown in very small tanks, 2-5 gallon do fine, they do not need heaters but also do well in tropical temps. If you want to try them get a 2-5g tank, a small UGF, add a bit of gravel and (crushed coral or limestone for calcium), a couple bunches of elodea or cabomba, and a couple bits of driftwood for them to hide under, Add a few scuds (one of the grammarus species) about 30 or so, and wait. Feed them any fish food. After a couple weeks you will see babies, after 4-6 weeks you should be able to start feeding them to your fish as a treat. They are quick little scavangers and grow to 3/4". they are very prolific. if a few survive in your tank don't worry, I had them in several community tanks where the adults were to large or hardshelled to be eaten but the young were always eaten, angels loved them. The one downside to them is that you should not use wild ones as they sometimes carry worms. cultured ones are safe as are the ones you raise at home. any way, here is a picture and a link where you can get cultured ones if you want to try them.http://crayfishshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=103&osCsid=d68447d9f8f7936547925eb6c3d0c9f3
These guys can be grown in very small tanks, 2-5 gallon do fine, they do not need heaters but also do well in tropical temps. If you want to try them get a 2-5g tank, a small UGF, add a bit of gravel and (crushed coral or limestone for calcium), a couple bunches of elodea or cabomba, and a couple bits of driftwood for them to hide under, Add a few scuds (one of the grammarus species) about 30 or so, and wait. Feed them any fish food. After a couple weeks you will see babies, after 4-6 weeks you should be able to start feeding them to your fish as a treat. They are quick little scavangers and grow to 3/4". they are very prolific. if a few survive in your tank don't worry, I had them in several community tanks where the adults were to large or hardshelled to be eaten but the young were always eaten, angels loved them. The one downside to them is that you should not use wild ones as they sometimes carry worms. cultured ones are safe as are the ones you raise at home. any way, here is a picture and a link where you can get cultured ones if you want to try them.http://crayfishshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=103&osCsid=d68447d9f8f7936547925eb6c3d0c9f3
