Peacock mantis shrimp PVC pipe questions

[NcDc]

So I have a few questions about peacock mantis shrimp and using PVC pipe as an artificial burrow. I am preparing for a tank and would like some advice.

Do they need PVC? I have read many articles on mantis shrimp care, and this is something I am unsure about. Some say that they can not live with out it, others say they won't use it.

Do you have to clean it in any special way, other than washing it?

What size of pipe should I use for a peacock mantis shrimp?

What shape should I make the burrow

How long should I make the burrow?

Answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading!

 

[KafudaFish]

Pretty sure they don't use pvc in the wild.

There is a subforum on here you should check out if you haven't already.

I kept one for around three years and best advice is keep water quality high, don't use high light and have your rock work in a way that provides coverage from the lights especially during molts.

 

[hotelbravo]

they do not require pvc and as he said they dont have pvc in the wild but what he didnt say was in the wild the sand just keeps going down so they can build their tunnels as long as they want however in our tanks our sandbeds are usually to shallow for them to make burrows adequate enough. pvc is a good supplement but should be done in a specific way. the openings of the pvc will need to be shut when the mantis molts and they have trouble sticking the sand to the pvc so i would recommend coating the ends of the pvc with silicone and pressing sand into the silicone to make it a rough surface and easy for them to close the burrow.

this is what i did

 

[Martini5788]

U shaped PVC coated in epoxy or silicone with dry sand coating it will disguise the tube. In aquariums, the PVC is pretty much essential for proper molting. Size will depend on the peacock you get. At max it will need a 2.5 inch diameter pipe. Go to manis shrimp forum and we will answer all of your other questions