You won't need a 50 gallon, but I guess bigger is better. I kept mine in a 20 long. Lots of hiding places, lots of water changes (sensitive to poor water, keep 0 ammonia, 0 nitrate). Temp 75°f. Used a sponge filter to avoid sucking up larvae.
Had a buddy use a water trough outside late Spring to early Fall (in Georgia). Heavily planted, only topped off the water and he had more than he knew what to do with when he drained it!