New at this

[DylanE]

So im finally giving in and i think im going to set up my empty 25g into a mantis tank. I have a few question, firstly, what kind of lighting is necessary, i have a relativily weak one from when it was a freshwater tank, would that work? also what kind of mantis is recommended for that size tank?

 

[justinl]

Is this 25gal acrylic or glass? If it's glass, make sure you know how to ID peacock (O. scyllarus) and G. chiragra (see sticky) as lfs don't usually ID correctly, and make sure you're not getting either. both can smash glass as adults.

As a beginner mantis, I would advise one of G. smithii, N.wennerae, or G. ternatensis as they are all fairly common and very interactive and require same habitat. N. wennerae is the most common and most readily available because you can get em from tampabaysaltwater consistently.

the light will be fine unless you want corals or anything photosynthetic.

 

[Pea-brain]

Agreed. At that size a P. ciliata would also work well. That is if you don't mind no fish. They are spearers and will eat soft bodied foods. You could pick up a 50/50 light for like 20$. That way you can grow coraline and macroalgaes. My P. ciliata love to use my spaghetti hair algae to camo his borrow. Also aids in nutrient removal.