How should i go about setting up my tank

[Angel7989]

Hi,
Im going to be getting my first Mantis shrimp soon
its a 4 inch long Odontodactylus scyllarus aka Peacock that I will be getting from the LFS. I currently have a 25 gallon glass tank cycling with about 2 1/2 inches of sand and 8 pounds of live rock that is formed into a cave/den for the critter.
I was wondering if i should place the live rock in a certain way or have more sand for burrowing?
thanks all

ah one more thing what is the ideal water tempature? my tank is at about 79F right now

 

[gemini aquarius(t)]

the rock formation is pretty much up to you. i would personally leave some ample amounts of sand just to watch him move around but its up to you. and im pretty sure (sont have a for sure) that 79 is just about perfect for these guys

 

[Pea-brain]

They should be fine at 70-82 degrees farenheit I think,but check Roy's list for specific temps (They are celcius though)

Dan

 

[Angel7989]

ok great thanks for the info
now just to play the waiting game and wait for the tank to cycle through -_-

 

[DanInSD]

I'd provide a PVC tube for the critter. Also provide lots of live rock rubble for use in construction.

Dan

 

[Angel7989]

so if i were to do a pvc tube how big of a piece would i want it
i was thinking a 2 1/2 inch T with a few inches on each side?

 

[Agu]

I'm not that familiar with peacocks but if it's a digger make sure the rock is firmly on the bottom of the tank and not just resting on the sand.

 

[DanInSD]

In the wild, peacocks form a shallow U-shaped burrow. Dr. Roy recommended (and it works really well!) buying an "electrical 90" -- a gray PVC tube with a smooth 90 degree bend, designed for electrical wiring. You can find these pretty much anywhere (I got mine at the local Ace Hardware). Just trim to fit. The tube should be three times the length of the critter.

I've got a thread with my new peacock tank, with a picture link. You can see the tube (with mantis emerging) in the foreground.

Dan

 

[Angel7989]

Ah, I saw the u shaped burrow on Dr Roy's site but i wasn't sure what it all meant, but the picture really does help though. thanks a bunch ill go pick a piece of PVC today

 

[Angel7989]

k, i have almost everything set up now. all i need is some live rock ruble and we're good to go.
thank you everyone for the tips, its helped a lot! =)