New mantis-only tank questions

[autumndawn1977]

I’m starting my new mantis-only tank set up (LFS said they could order me a Rainbow for $28, is that a good price?). I was planning on using a 10g, with 2 inches of live sand some live rock. Also am going to mod an AC110 to a HOB fuge. How much LR is enough and what sort of lighting should I use? Thanks!

 

[Aquariumist]

if you mean by rainbow a peacock mantis, a ten gallon wont suffice it for him. im no expert, but i think most people think a 30 gallon as a moresufficient home as they can get relatively large. a 20 might do, but again i am no expert.

 

[thor32766]

yeah minimun i would go with is a 20, but if you could a 29 or 30 would be better. thats a good price for one!

 

[Thurge]

Depending on the size of the mantis you get you may need to up grade sooner than later. A 10 is pretty good up to about 4" then its going to want more room.
In answer to your questions, the general rule of thumb is 1 - 1.5 pounds of LR per gallon of tank size. Its kind of vague because some rock is denser than other.
As for lighting, thats up to you and the mantis. Some mantis are from deeper and may shy away from lots of light, while other species are found in the tropical shallows and are used to lots of light. If you are going with a FOWLER setup for your mantis then a simple NO florescent fixture will be plenty, or if you decide to go reefy with it and light accordingly. I have mantis under both setups. If going reef with lots if lighting just be sure to provide a snug burrow about 2x the length of the mantis so that it can get totally escape the light. In the right conditions your mantis may actually start to grow algae on its shell, and this can lead to its demise.