Need help with a Zebra mantis setup

[Leechofdestiny]

Ok, I will be the first to admit that I made a bad decision going with a biocube 29 gallon aquarium instead of a narrower tank for when my zebra mantis arrives in a week, but frankly I'm stubborn. The zebra mantis I'm to receive in a week is about 4-5 inches long, and I have made a 5 inch or so deep sand bed, and am able to add a couple inches before he arrives, because I probably will need to, but frankly it's surprising how expensive sand is. Maybe it's because I'm cheap, but so far it's cost me 80+ dollars just for 5 inches deep of aragonite live sand, and I've tried to check on line but I haven't found much luck in getting anything cheaper. Is there any site where I can buy sand in bulk that is safe for mantis shrimps, commercial or otherwise, so I don't have to spend a fortune on sand in the long run? I know I'll have to switch him out of the 29 gallon when he gets to be full grown just because he won't be able to burrow to the right depth to make him comfortable, but the point still stands: need sand they can burrow in, I need it in large amounts, need it for cheap.

 

[DanInSD]

Well, you can use "dead" sand for at least half of it, which will save you many $$'s. The "dead" sand will quickly get seeded with good stuff from the live sand. But that's only part of your problem.

The sand will put a lot more pressure on the tank than does water (because it's denser, right?). I'd be worried that in the medium-term the biocube won't be strong enough to hold enough sand to keep this critter happy.

Dan