Mantis tank setup feedback wanted

[Hwarang]

Ok, for now, my female N. wennerae named Banstyle has been chilling out in a 2.5g while I decide on how to make a good setup for the mantis. Here's what I'm thinking so far.

ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ 5.5g AGA tank
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ 32w PC 50/50 light (I have this already, so I want to use it)
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ ac500 made into a fuge
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ fine substrate
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ display has rubble rock, etc.

Corals:
Just a few softies and maybe a leather, and some xenia (since I already have that on one of the rubble rock chunks).

Sound good? Make any changes?

My mantis already seems to love digging, so I was thinking of ways to reinforce the bottom of the aquarium so she doesn't bust through it. There was another thread on this which was helpful, but I'd like to try and get some more ideas.

 

[Jonny]

I dont think a mantis of that size could break the glass of your tank

 

[Hwarang]

Right now she is only about 2" - 2.5" ... but in the future she might break the glass, after she is bigger.

 

[Jonny]

thats there max size, 3in if your lucky, there a small type of mantis, thats the type ive been looking for

 

[Hwarang]

Bummer, I read they got larger. Thanks for the correction!

 

[Jonny]

"has been in broad spectrum light for awhile, is about 4 years old, may live another two years and reach a maximum size of 6 cm."

http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/pics/isaari_hammers.htm


is that your mantis? could you find a pic of it? or take one

 

[Hwarang]

Yep, that's her, she is a N. wennerae. That's the site I did my reading on, I think I just misread 6cm as 6 inches.

 

[Jonny]

hey if you dont want it....Im always here

 

[Hwarang]

Nah, I have grown attached to the little lady, she's one of my all-time favorites already! However, I have recently seen a number of posts on reefs.org and nano-reef.com about someone having caught an (undesired) mantis in their tank, and I referred them here because usually someone is ready to acquire one.

 

[goblinsharkman]

Do u guys know if light affects their color? Cause i have my N. wennerae in a tank w/o a light (until i can find sand and LR for the bigger tank) and it is like cool greenish-pink color. Its tiny (1.5-2in)

 

[Jonny]

light does affect there colour, a brighter light will make the mantis brighter, if you have no light, when it molts it's colour will be alot darker

 

[slylie]

allthough they do prefer a dim light. putting one under a 400w MH might make it not want to leave its burrow at all.