New peacock, couple questions

[Vital Idol]

Ok, I just got about a 2 inch peacock mantis shrimp.

What size tank would you recommend? I was thinking of starting with like a 12 gallon acrylic.

Is acrylic recommended? I've read they can break glass, how often has that actually happened?

What about a protein skimmer, is it needed on a species only tank? I was thinking LR and an airstone, but will run a skimmer if needed.
Also, probably going to run a small hang-on biofilter.

Oh, I have it in small container right now and also have a tiny gorilla crab in with it.
Is the crab a threat to the mantis at all? Already saw the mantis take a crack at him once and the crab kept ticking.
I dont' care about the crab, but dont want it to hurt the mantis.

 

[Absint Reefer]

the mantis will eat the crab 12gl is good for now and I think they have to be almost full grown to break the glass good filtration is a must

 

[CodeToad]

I think a 12 G will be nice, what are the length and width dimensions?

Try to make him a place so that he can completly hide himself if he wants to, helps promote shedding.

Acrylic will be fine, I had a 7" male peacock in an acrylic tank I built using 1/4" sheets and he gave them a few good shots and it wasn't any problem Lost him in the south Florida hurricanes this year though his antics are missed

Mantis tend to be messy as they like to kill stuff and eat it, so I would reccomend a protien skimmer, even if its a little DIY job is better than nothing.

The crab shoudln't be a problem, but if you think the mantis inst comfortable in the container than perhaps take hte crab out for now?

 

[Vital Idol]

The crab didn't last long, it became entertainment for my cat, she sat there watching the mantis for like 2 hours.
The mantis killing the crab got her attention when she heard the clicking.