New Guy, Kudos to TBS

[reddogf5]

Hi, my name is Mark, and we recently got an aquarium and set it up with "the package" from Tampa Bay Saltwater. I have to say we are absolutely pleased with the whole experience. The best part is how much life there is on everything, rather than the bacteria and a few scraps of algae that I see in the local fish stores. Once you add in the sponges, corals, fish and critters that came along for free, I can't see a way to beat the deal.
Here's a picture of the aquarium:
<img src="http://www.wideopenwest.com/~osterbrink/aquarium.jpg">

Now for a question, what is the best way to get rid of a mantis? We have one, I tried a trap made from a clear tube, which he had no interest in at all. Now he seems to have barricaded himself into his lair, is that normal? I can see spots where he has cleaned barnacles off the rock, and I want to stop the destruction. Thanks.

 

[Madratter]

I ended up having to get two mantis shrimp out of my tank. I tried trapping with no luck. What did work for me was I started feeding them with shrimp on a wooden skewer. They got used to eating the shrimp that way and would come out for it. I then simply netted them out of the tank.

 

[tspfish]

I have bought four packages with the biggest being 125g with 5 mantis shrimp in the package and the smallest being 30g with 2 mantis shrimp. I was able to catch all of the mantis shrimp with this tool. It has three steel grabbers that come out when you squeeze the trigger. You can buy them at Menard's or most automotive stores. They do rust so you might want to buy more than one : )

Hope this helps.

 

[faq274]

Love what you did with the place. The layout looks great! I plan on purchasing the package from TBS my self. I've been watching the forums for some time now and have seen nothing but excelent service from Richard. You seem to be another happy customer.

 

[reddogf5]

I bought one of those grabbers last night, and we started feeding the mantis tonight. My daughter feed him a peice of shrimp on a stick, and he came right out and got it. We will see how comfortable he gets, and hopefully we can catch him.

And yes, I am very satisfied with the product and service.

 

[reddogf5]

We finally got the mantis out. In the end we took the rock out and squirted hot water into his lair. Instead of just flushing him out, it parboiled him. Didn't want him necessarily dead, but he could not stay any longer.

On another note, can any one identify the coral on the right in the above picture? The one on the left is most likely Diodogorgia nodulifera, but I have no idea what the one on the right is. Specifically I want to know if it is photosynthetic or not to determine how much it needs to be fed.
TIA

 

[noahm]

The one on the right is a photsynthetic gorgonian. Bulletproof. Not sure of the exact species, but I believe part of a group of species commonly called candelabra.

 

[reddogf5]

Thanks! Photosynthetic makes it much easier.