I am wanting a Mantis Shrimp

[SWaquariast]

I am wanting to put a mantis shrimp in a 20g aquarium and wanting a mantins that will get 4"-5" and is least likely to break the glass.

What are some precautions so the mantis is less likely to break the glass.

 

[acrodave]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1402322

 

[Guygettnby]

Line the bottom of the tank with plexi glass or acrylic and make a U shaped home for the mantis out of PVC pipe. my peacock is about 4in long and the pipe is 2" inside diameter.

 

[BuddhaKiss]

Total noob question, but how would lining the bottom with plexiglass or acrylic prevent the glass from breaking? How thick should the plastic be? Should it be on the outside or inside the tank? I would imagine the force of the claw strikes would be enough to still shatter the glass....or does the plastic somehow absorb some of the force.

 

[Guygettnby]

most commom breaks are at the bottom of the tank when the mantis is trying to build its new home. they wack at the bottom to try and finish making there burrow. so it would need to be on the inside of the tank to prevent this. the other most common area is the edges of the tank, it is easier to shatter there. another way to help prevent this is to build it a burrow out of PVC pipe, mine loves his PVC burrow and i dont ever have to worry about him smacking the bottom of the tank. but i still have it linned with plexiglass.

when you line the bottom of the tank what you do is use aquarium silicon and lay down a pattern of beads across the bottom, then set the acrylic/plexiglass ontop of the beads. by doing this you have created an open space and cushion to take the blow away from the glass. i hope that helps you out, kind of tired so not the best description i could give.

 

[J2FcM]

good descrption.... the silicone sealer acts as a cushion between the 2 layers and the shrimps power cannot be 100% translated into the glass. voila!

 

[BuddhaKiss]

Awesome explanation! Thnx! I've just recently become interested in Mantis Shrimps and plan on setting up a tank so still doing research. Would rather go glass rather than acrylic due to cost, but was uncomfortable. Thnx again!!

 

[Guygettnby]

no problem. wish i made it a bit more clear for ya, but i was half asleep when i found the post. enjoy your mantis when u get it and i understand about the extra cost... thats why all mine are in glass tanks.

 

[gholland]

The silicone actually isn't necessary. Acrylic simply laying on the bottom is just as effective because it isn't as brittle as glass and distributes any impact across a larger surface area of the glass.

 

[BuddhaKiss]

thnx that's good to know! I will take both suggestions into consideration. I've flooded my basement before due to a leaky RO unit and cleanup was a pain. Don't want to go through that again. The silicone idea makes sense even if not needed. At least it'll give me peace of mind. The only problem I see is gettin some detritus under there. Should I also seal up the edges as well?

 

[Guygettnby]

u can if it makes u feel better. i know i did personally just beacuse it looked better when it was done.