Got my Mantis

[Bortass]

I ordered ' the package" from TBS and sure 'nuff I got a Mantis. I found it in the bottom of the bag. it looks to be about 2 inches long. I'm pretty sure it's N.W.

I went over the LR but didn't find any. My guess is I may have missed one. I hear a slight popping once in a while in the tank. Rock's been in there for less then an hour and the lights are on.

Anyway the wife OKed the mantis tank. I think my son is gonna really like having a mantis in the house.

I'll try to get pics up after the tank is set up.

I'd like to thank you guys for all the info in this forum. I would never have considered keeping a mantis otherwise. I was actually hoping that i'd get the dreaded mantis hitchhiker.

I'm gonna try to set it up in a 5 or 10 gal tank unless i pull the trigger on a 20( only because i have a wooden stand kicking around).

I have 80 lbs of fine sand that i didn't use in my 120. I'll see if i can find some crushed coral to mix in with it. I'm thinking of a 4 inch sand bed. Does that sound right?

I'll do more forum searches to find out what to consider with my setup.

 

[DanInSD]

Sounds fine. 20 gal is a big tank for an N.w. Ten is just fine.

Standard saltwater aquarium husbandry applies. Consider a hang-on-tank fuge right from the get-go, as you'll have trouble keeping a clean-up crew around. PC lighting at 3-5W/gal is plenty sufficient. I keep a skimmer on my mantis tanks, but that's just me. Adequate circulation with a small powerhead or two, etc etc.

Have fun!
Dan

 

[Thurge]

Hopefully your Manits is docile enough for you to try hand feeding. Mine would gently take Krill from your fingers.
I got mine with a complete setup (10 gal) and shortly after, I decided I didn't think the mantis had quite enough room to roam. Thats not to say that a 10 won't provide plenty of room, but you start looking at a 3"+ mantis plus the rock and all in a tank only 10" wide and you will see what I mean. Add your 4" DSB and you only have 8 verticle inches to work with.
Plus the 20 high provides much more room for softie corals.

 

[Bortass]

I went with a 20L. I didn't have a good place to put a 5 or 10, so I went with a tank that would fit on a stand i already had.

I think I may have some old fixtures that'll fit the tank as well. I don't plan to add coral. I figure the macro will grow pretty good and I'll have a planted tank w/ Mantis.

I'm waiting for the water to warm up then I'll add the LR and mantis. I happen to have a stone crab probably 3/4 inch across to play with him as well.

LR is cured already. I've owned it for over 10 years in various tanks, so that should make up for the dead sand.