Looking for a G. Smithi dealer

[Doc Hammer]

Alright, so I'm not looking for a Smithi right now, but will be soon. At the moment, I'm doing research on my tank set up and will be getting everything (an 8 - 15 G complete kit, live rocks, ect.), set it all up, let the tank mature abit, get some little "play things" for my buddy (if you know what I mean ), and then finally try and get a hold of a Smithi! All this will take place some time in June. This will be my first time with anything to do with aquariums, however I have done tons of research and feel confident in myself. (Any suggestions would be helpful also.)

I live in Pennsylvania, about two hours south of New York City, and am just wondering if any of you guys know any where near me that might stock them. I am, however, not adverse to the prospect of ordering one off the internet. It's just that I'd prefer to give the little guy a shorter ride to his new abode then have him stuffed into a depressing little plastic box and shipped!

Thanks!

 

[justinl]

a newbie! welcome to RC and welcome again to the hobby. for starters go get a book. im serious, trust me you want to read something that has info all in one place. doing research on the net is just supplementary. if you rely on the net, chances are that youll have large gaps in your knowledge... like what is a top off? or anything at all about cycling...

other than that, youve made a good choice in picking a mantis! and a G. smithii no less. I got one and he's my favourite animal... ever. unfortunately they are not very common (but they do pop up here and there if you're patient) and online vendors are not to be trusted with a proper mantis ID. only accurate online vendor is TBS and they only have N. wennerae (another great beginner mantis with pretty much identical requirements to G. smithii btw). best chance is to get a list of all your lfs and ask them to let you know if they get a mantis in. you'll need to know how to ID some common mantids (not very hard once you know what to look for) or at least smithii or be able to get pics so we can ID for you.

 

[Doc Hammer]

Thanks for the suggestions, and I have read some books. Topping off is when you replace the water that was lost due to evaporation.

 

[Princess Di]

Too bad I wasn't close...I'd sell you mine. Just keep checking with local stores.

 

[Doc Hammer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9998038#post9998038 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Princess Di
Too bad I wasn't close...I'd sell you mine. Just keep checking with local stores.

Are you sure he's a Smithi? Also, I'd be willing to buy him off you.

 

[Princess Di]

I am fairly certain that he is smithi. He has the meral spot with the surrounding white rim. Although he does have more color and is larger than any other pics of smithis that I have seen. I really do not want to ship. I have 6 other tanks to take care, but my kids are fighting me on getting rid of him.

 

[G.SMITHII]

that is fo sho a Gsmithii!!!

nice colors too