Hi my name is Heather and I am addicted to my mantis shrimp, Roger! :D

[nmotz]

Hadla, Dr. Caldwell has recommended running a UV sterilizer on a Peacock mantis shrimp tank as a way of diminishing the risk of shell rot. Of course they are kind of ugly to put on a display tank. If you had a sump you could just put it in there.

 

[Calappidae]

Actually, the best way to prevent shell rot is to just keep the animal healthy with proper conditions and water quality (Especially when molting). Water Quality > Lighting

If he's healthy, you can keep him under metal halides if you wished without catching shell rot. Providing dark places is only part of keeping the animal mentally happy and healthy.

One thing I do recall reading though is males tend to be more prone to shell rot than females, might want to second opinion that.

 

[Hadla]

Thanks for all your info! yeah, was worried about the lights being on so much for my corals which is why I want to get him into his own tank

 

[EI Gringo]

Yes males are more susceptible, one would hope stable parameters and good water quality should go without saying but I suppose some people may struggle.