Adding a mantis to an established reef

[kookerson]

I have a 20H reef, that has no fish, and would really like to add a mantis.....but I have a couple concerns:

1. I have read that some people put plexiglass around the bottom of the tank, including underneath the sand. Is it really necessary to put it underneath the sand?

2. Burrows.....should I let him build his own, or build it myself? And if I should build one, how?


3. Spearers and smashers? Is one prefered over the other?

4. Shell disease.....I have 4 x 24 watt T5s over my tank, will this be a problem?


Thanks in advance for all advice! : )

 

[Altpers0na]

i would look at whats out there to be had, and compare them with roys species list.

for the most part, your going to be in the small to medium mantis size range... the lights should not be a problem, and your glass should be safe.

 

[Guygettnby]

i agree, you should look at different smaller species of mantis. you usualy dont need to make a cave or burrow for them as they will make there own and if you get a smaller species then you dont have to worry about the glass at all.

spearers need to have a sand bed that is 1 1/2 times as deep as they are long. smashers dont need a think sand bed.

only mantis that you really need to worry about shell disease with would be a peacock.