Need that one article on mantis shrimp

[ladyshark]

I recall a year or two ago reading a good article on this site on general care of mantis shrimp. It suggested that mantis can handle tap water, and no filter, but clearly suggested using a filter.

I want to get a mantis for my 75 g tank with live rock and some sponge. I use a canaster filter (Fluval) and Aqua C remora skimmer that works well. I have T5 lighting, about 2 watts per gal for the live rock.

My issue is not that I want to put a mantis in a tank with no filter, or use tap water (I use distilled water from the grocery store) Its just that this tank has accumulated a high nitrate level in the past which is now under control, but I basically want to chose a mantis that can handle a high nitrate level if this ever happens again.

Basically, I wasn't cleaning out the tank and filters often enough, and did not maintain my skimmer well enough. Again, I am back on track, just curious about a good choice of mantis.

I can't find the article--it was written by a female reefer,
I think--anyone know what I am talking about or where the article may be? Also, any thoughts on the right choice of mantis eg, one that is hardy enough to handle unanticipated increase in nitrates?

thanks

 

[Wildinside]

Nitrates are bad for all inverts so "high" levels of nitrate can definitely kill most, if not all, mantis shrimp. Get yourself a hang on back refugium or modify a hang on back filter into a refiugum (what I did) or just get some macro algae growing in the tank to keep the nitrates down. there is a DIY mod here on reefcentral that can show you how to make a HOB refugium out of a HOB filter.

 

[micstarz]

From what Dr. Caldwell has written, I gather most mantis shrimp will pull through except smaller Odontodactylus species and other small mantids.

And a 75gal is more than enough for a mantis shrimp. You can put a divider in and keep multiple animals if you like. In a 75gal, it will start getting a little weird with only one mantis...

 

[englishgramma]

No No No

No No No

Just dont - use best quality RO - dont be mean - if you have a nano tank and change 10 per cent a week what can that cost ? If you cant afford that then givey your mantis away to a good home !!

 

[ladyshark]

I won't englishgramma, not to worry. Just tested my nitrates and the level is 10--I have held off getting a little mantis so I could be sure the tank is ready.

I have spent the day researching this issue to be sure to keep the nitrates under control. I have decided to add a refugium with DSB and cheato, which should help a lot once it is in place.

Micstarz, interesting point. I want to keep sponge and maybe some mushroom in the tank, so it won't be just a mantis and rock. I don't want to increase lighting, both to keep algae down, and also to avoid shell disease for the mantis--so will focus on inhabitants that do not require high lighting

I was thinking that with a peacock, the larger species, that he or she would have a great time in a 75 with all that rock and hunting area. Also, I already have a u shaped pvc arranged.

I am assuming that two mantis should not be kept together.....I did have two mantis in one 45 gal hex, completely by accident, as they were both hitchhikers in live rock from tampa bay saltwater. Niether bothered the other, but maybe I was just lucky??

Anyway, point taken, and I will watch params carefully to keep water healthy. Please believe that I care about my seawater friends and I post here before I do something stupid to harm them.

Thanks!

 

[micstarz]

It seems you have planned for your tank properly, then! However, you could keep an assorted collection of damsels, which hopefully you won't care if one gets eaten.

I also read from Dr. Caldwell that in a large tank (such as your 45) small mantises that rarely leave their cavity can coexist. But I think you were just lucky.

You may have to change your PVC (because of the diameter) when you get your mantis. Too big or too small will be uncomfortable for it.

 

[ladyshark]

Yeah, good point on the pvc--I was wondering about that.

One more quick question--if I had a choice, what's the best, a male or a female peacock. I thought there might have been some thread on this, but could not find it.

THANKS

 

[ladyshark]

The article I was looking for is the Maintenance and Care article on The Lurker's Guide to Stomatopods web site. Found it and re-read. Pretty good article.

I got my new peacock from Stomatopod.com last week. Water is pristine, nitrates at 0, he is 4 and a half inches--very gorgeous. So far ignoring my pvc tunnel and found a niche under a rock at the end of the tank right next to my recliner, so perfect for viewing! Readily accepted frozen squid today--VERY COOL GUY!

Thanks everyone.

 

[Tangalong]

Congratulations Ladyshark...do you look at each other from your recliner? Sounds familiar. Just a question...how did you 'serve' your squid? In small pieces? Was it just tentacles? Tryilng to get mine to eat it but spits it back out. Was it San Francisco Bay? Keep thinking I'm doing something wrong. Thanks if you can help and luck with ???? Name yet?

 

[micstarz]

Congratulations!

 

[Mentat]

Here's another article you might find interesting: A Load of Learning About Mantis Shrimps.

 

[ladyshark]

That is a good article Mentat--thanks

Tangalong-I used Ocean Nutrition frozen squid, just thawed out a small piece and offered it to the Mantis on the end of a feeding stick. This brand of squid seems to be in larger chunks rather than the other type that separates easily. He grabbed it and held onto it and seemed to be nibbling on it for a while. Nothing real aggressive, just took it and nibbled. He also has some small snails in the tank, started with 10, looks like maybe six are left. I offered him a piece of silverside but no interest.

Thanks everyone, I am really happy with my guy--yes, I sit in the recliner and study him and I guess he studies me--he acts interested when I stare into the tank, and even rises up a little, its right about then that I feel grateful for the wall of the tank that protects me. Those lavendar eyes that are constantly on the move with moving dots and lines are cool to watch, and one cannot keep from studying those clubs!

We stare for awhile, then he will pick up a stone and set it closer to the opening, just kind of tuck the stone into place==really fascinating to watch!

It is hilarious how enraptured we become with these little guys, isn't it?? Can you tell I am new??

Gotta think of a good name

 

[Tangalong]

I don't think we can ever get tired of them...they are always doing something new. He must have been getting ready to "shut his door" for the night...I agree...their eyes are fascinating to watch..just too wierd...have you seen Dr. Roys pictures of his "flying" Stomatopods? Just wonderful. They are in one of these threads close to this one. Actually, it is just swimming but we like to tease.!!!