P. Ciliata

[Kzinti]

I was wondering what lighting intensity these guys can handle.

Thanks,

 

[Kzinti]

Also, can someone direct me to a good place to buy black sand to put in the bottom of the tank?

 

[justinl]

they can handle whatever light you decide to put over the tank.

 

[Pea-brain]

+1 what justinl said. They are a very shallow water species, so no issues with light intensity.

Drs. Foster and smith are a good place to buy some tahitian moon sand for relatively cheap.

Dan

 

[Gonodactylus]

I've collected P. ciliata down to at least 140 feet and at that depth they are living pretty dim. The intensity and spectral nature of the light along with the background color and structure will determine their color and pattern.

It is probably safe to assume that most P. ciliata for sale came from reef flats and were exposed to very bright, broad spectrum light.

Roy

 

[Kzinti]

Thanks for all of the help you guys!

 

[Kzinti]

One other question, do P. Ciliata's jump out of the tank or can I leave the top open?

 

[Pea-brain]

Just about any mantis can jump. Put some eggcrate over the tank at the least IMO.

Dan

 

[Kzinti]

That'll work, what about some kind of net tightened over the top just so it isnt as bulky?

Or any other ideas?? I am debating between putting him in a 14gallon biocube or a 15gallon tank and putting my own lights and filtration in it.