New Mantis Tank Layout Help

[Bugs825]

OK you mantis freaks!!!!!

I have set up a 10 gallon with about 3 inches of agronite and 45 watts of NO lights.

I need to pick up my shrimp from Agu but want to get the tank done first.

I need help getting some rock ideas. What type of layout? PVC?
I have read all the mantis articals and they are not very specific. Anyone got some pics of your layout?

Thanks a bunch
Nathan

 

[rwhhunt]

Layout

Layout

Right now mine is completely made out of LR. I used two "L"
shaped pieces and fit them together to make an arch as a base. then used rounder pieces next to those all the way up to the walls of the tank to provide internal support by pushing the the "L" together (like a roman arch) then I used many pieces of tonga branch on top to cover all the holes to make it dark inside the cave. I put an overhang out of the front of the cave with a support that allows him to have another small tunnel to the right of the cave entrance (i didnt originally have a opening at the end of this little overhang, BUT he wanted one, so he knocked the rock out of the way!).
However, I am planning his new upgraded larger tank right now. It will consist of a 2 -> 2 1/2 inch diameter black Right-angle PVC pipe probably around 8-10 inches in total length. I decided on the right angle because this way i can position it such that no matter which side he comes out on, I still have a good view. Also it saves some space so he can walk around in the front of his den (showdown ground for gladiator crawfish). I am going to put a few inches of black gravel or rocky substrate. Then I am going to use LR to cover the PVC for aesthetic purposes such to completely hide the PVC pipe. I was thinking a couple large pieces of kaliente or fiji to cover the bulk of it, then use some branching tonga to cover anything left exposed and to give a good look to the tank (I really like branch tonga-i use it in all my tanks!) He has molted to a orange color, so I was thinking of adding a orange tube anenome. I have read that they are not photosynthetic, and i am trying to keep the intensity of light as low as possible for the Mantis. This will help him preserve (whats left) of his vibrant colors. After his first molt, he significantly dulled. Hopefully a combination of less wattage NO bulb (50/50 or pure actinic) and PVC will help out a lot. Here is a pic of my current layout (sorry the pic is so crappy, i had to downsize it to get it on this forum- I now use photobucket and maintain more clarity)

Here is his new entance door he custom made:

And this is an orange tube anenome that I would like to add in the future:

or purple :

Ill let you know how things work out when I get this set up going

 

[rwhhunt]

tube anenomes

tube anenomes

Sorry, those didnt come out:

Orange:

Purple:

 

[rwhhunt]

Best Pic

Best Pic

Here is the best Cerianthus (Orange Tube anenome) pic Ive been able to find:

 

[Bugs825]

This is what I have got so far. I had to get him in the tank. This is all DIY Oystercrete LR except for one piece that some Zoas are on. Let me know what you think and how to make it better.

Nathan

 

[floridajhawk]

maybe build more of a cave near the center with a few pieces of rubble surrounding it he will rearrange whatever you build but at least it will give him some smaller pieces to move around the entrance to his cave GOOD LUCK

 

[Bugs825]

I guess i should have explained the layout a little. Its hard to tell from the pic. The main bottom piece in the middle is a 3 leg table. There are arches coming off each side of the table. One end of the arch on the table and one end in the sand bed. Where the arch meets the sand bed, there is a pile of rock rubble. In all there is over 15 pounds of rock, many of them small enough for him to move around.

I have seen him pushing out sand from the rubble pile on the left.

Thanks
Nathan

 

[floridajhawk]

ahh then I see nothing wrong with your setup maybe throw a nice tube anemone in there to brighten it up other than that looks like you have things covered

 

[Bugs825]

I got my LEDs today!!!!

I used 12v to run off of the power supply for the fans. 2 white in front and 1 blue in back. They make a really neat ripple lighting effect. hard to see in the pic.

Heres the best pic I could get of the little bougger. I named him "Choop". For El Chupacabra. He is a N. wennerae.

 

[rwhhunt]

Nice set up! Yeah I just dumped some more rubble (1-3 inch pieces) in my guys tank! He likes to make a little fort/wall outside one of his doors, and then keps the other one clear of any debris. I am really looking forwad to upgrading his tank, I know he wants to room! AS far as color goes, I really want to try the tube anenome, SO if you do it before I do, post something on it! Also, for some color and motion, I ve heard that Damsels can even live with the wenneras! In fact i read on this forum, someone had put one in as a meal, but instead the two became friends, and even share a burrow together! (The damsel helps excavate rocks and rubble from the den!) I thought about trying that with my peacock...Worst case scenario, the damsel becomes dinner..second thought, better just wait till I get my wennera to take over my peacock's current tank... BTW, did you get your wennera from Tampa Bay LR (TBS) I know they'll sell and ship on for $50)

 

[Bugs825]

I got this one from Agu and he saved him from being a snack for a puffer. But i think that he is the same as the locals around here in Florida.

I might try a damsel and tube anemone in a bit.

Nathan

 

[Bugs825]

$50????

Thats Nutz!

IMO
Nathan

 

[speedsport]

Bugs825

Shipping is $40 alone.

 

[Agu]

Bugs825

Shipping is $40 alone.

That's why I moved from Minnesota to Florida, the shipping was killing me . Besides, we don't need heat packs here :lol: .

Agu

 

[dc]

That's why I moved from Minnesota to Florida, the shipping was killing me . Besides, we don't need heat packs here :lol: .

Agu

Oh yeah, just rub it in.:lol: Well I have a small one so I just took 3 fairly good sized rocks that had a lot of cavities in them. Sort of teepeed them in there. I may add caulerpa someday, I haven't decided.

 

[floridajhawk]

hes very nice though, mine for the weirdest reason did not like all the rocks she just likes her few pieces of rubble, deep sand bed, and pvc tunnel. yeah shes a smasher but shes means well haha. shes the only one of mine that acts this way

 

[Bugs825]

Well, Today I tested the water in my little mantis tank. Its almost finished doing a very small cycle. I had some fears about the oystercrete rock but went with it anyway. Long story short, my pH is about 9.0. OUCH! I did a 20% water change and slowly dripped som dilluted vinager in. I will have to keep a close watch on the pH untill the rocks get completly ballanced out.

Heres some up close pics of "Choop"

Nathan

 

[floridajhawk]

thats exactly what my little Miss Veronica Corningstone looks like haha

 

[mightymouse]

what are NO lights?

 

[Agu]

Normal Output, as opposed to VHO/ Very High Output.

Agu