Mantis newb

[archer8681]

Hi all,

I'm looking to setup a tank for a mantis, and I have been lurking around this forum a little bit. Due to space constraints, for the time being, I am limited to a 12gal Current Aquapod which I will be picking up tomorrow. I am aware that down the road I will need a larger tank for a mantis, and when the time comes, I will setup a larger tank.

I am looking for a peacock (I guess thats the most common thing that people new to mantis want lol), but a smaller one maybe 2.5-3". I believe I have already found one, but will not know till early next week.

I will have the12 gal tank setup and ready rather quickly as I will pull water and LR from my 90 gal reef tank. I also plan on a 3" DSB.

Here's my questions:

How long would the peacok be comfortable in the 12gal? 6 months, 12, more?

For continued weekly water changes, would pulling water form my main tank just be easier? I use IO Reef Crystals, and run about 1.028. Is this ok for a mantis?

If there a thread anywhere on this forum about do's and don'ts of what to feed a mantis?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Gonodactylus]

I would recommend starting with a gonodactylid. They are generally tougher, are not nearly as prone to molting problems such as loss of a raptorial appendage, and won't outgrow your tank nearly as quickly. They also are not as prone to stashing food and molt skins. Buried molt skins and food can cause real problems, especially in a tank that is too small.

For this type of system I would particularly recommend G. smithii, G. glabrous, or N. wennerae.

Water changes using water from another system really depends on how good the water quality is in the larger tank. Even if nitrate and phosphate is close to zero, there will still be more than in freshly mixed sea water.

1.028 is a bit high for a stomatopod. I would recommend 1.024 assuming that you are running the system at 75-78 F.

Roy

 

[archer8681]

I am very meticulous about my water. I use a 5 stage RO/DI and do 10% water changes on my main tank weekly. I tested my water today before I did my weekly water change Trates, Trites, ammonia were all 0. Ca is around 450ish +, pH is 8.2. Temp in my main tank is usually 78. My intentions were to do weekly water changes of about 3 gal (25%) since I may not run a skimmer. I'll see how that works out. Skimmers for a 12gal tank are cheap.

The choice of a peacock is based on colors. The G. smithii and the P. wennerae also have beautiful colors, and I'm sure I would be happy with either. Would either of these need to be moved to a larger tank sometime down the road?

I called the guys at Blue Zoo Aquatics who may be able to get me a smaller peacock from their wholesaler. I'll ask them about a G. smithii or a P. wennerae. Any other suggestions of where I may look to find either of these?

Thanks for you help.

 

[DanInSD]

My main advice is to listen to Dr. Roy!

I recommend against a peacock in this tank as well. Mine is 4 inches in a 20 gallon and it's clear she's going to need a larger home in short order (within the next year). Stick with the smaller species.

Dan

 

[Gonodactylus]

The water seems good. It is probably worth a try. We don't skim our small tanks, just change water.

You would probably not have to move either a G. smithii or a N. wennerae. Both usually do not grow beyond 7 to 8 cm. One reason that I suggested these species, aside from the fact that they are hardy, is that both are fairly cavity oriented and do not range over large areas. Therefore they are fairly content in a small foot print tank as long as they have a decent cavity.

Roy

 

[archer8681]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8945358#post8945358 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DanInSD
My main advice is to listen to Dr. Roy!

Dan

That's my intention! I'm already sending emails & making calls to find a G. smithii or a P. wennerae.

any suggestions?

 

[Pea-brain]

tampabaysaltwater.com has a N. wennerae almost all the time for 50$ straight to your door. You may think that is a little pricey though. Good luck! Also if you find a place that ships and carries G. smithii almost all the time could you PM me? And dr. Roy by cavity oriented do you mean they stay in there more often or that they like to keep the same cavity?

 

[Gonodactylus]

Actually, both. They spend most of their time in the cavity except to dart out and seize prey or building material or to investigate something new. That doesn't mean that they are not interactive, just that they do most of it from the safety of the cavity.

Roy