possible tank

[leaffish75]

would a tank that is 12inches long by 5 inches wide be bigg enough for most mantis? I know peacocks get and i dont plan on getting one.

 

[Uriel]

Most Mantis?
NO.
Some smaller species, sure.

How tall is the tank? If you have all 3 dimensions, then you can calulate the volume, which is the real first step.

LxWxH, divided by 231 in gallons.

That being said, I had a 2" (if even that) N. Wenn in a 1.5 gallon hex for a few months, he was fine. I moved him into a bigger tank a few weeks back, and he seems very happy with the expanded digs.

Dr. Caldwel keeps them in small containers for reasearch, with frequent water changes, but if you want an animal that will 'show off' for you, a bigger area in in order.



-Ronl

 

[leaffish75]

well the tank will be 12X12X6 or 8 which breaks down to about 4.5 gallons

 

[Uriel]

I keep a 2" N. Wennerae in a 5 gallon, a 2.75" G. Viridis, a 3" G. Chiraga and a 3" G. Platysoma all in 6 gallon tanks (seperate, of course), and a 3.5-4" G. Ternatensis and a Peacock (O. Scyllarus) in 12 gallon tanks. All of these seem very content.

A 4.5 would be fine for a smaller mantis (N. Wennerae, G. Smithi, several others).

Mine are all acrylic, which is important, considering the Peacock,Tern and Chiraga are all very capable of smashing glass. My G. Viridis hits pretty hard for a little guy as well.


-Ron

 

[leaffish75]

im building it out of .25 inch acrylic