Stomatopod Books/Videos/Questions

[travisurfer]

Hey guys, Im really new when it comes to stomatopods. I think these guys are truely amazing. Anyway, are there any good books out there on keeping stomatopods? Websites? And, Im still not sure if I want to get one yet, so can you guys post some of your videos and pictures? Thanks.

 

[olivia640]

I think this site, along with Dr. Roy's, is probably the best place to get mantis info. There doesn't seem to be any books on keeping mantis shrimp as pets.
YouTube.com has a few cool mantis videos. You wont get any mantis info from them, but they're fun to watch.

 

[travisurfer]

ok thanks, i already checked out dr. roys site. i think im going to go with g. smithi. anyway, ill have to check out youtube and other video sites. this tank isnt going to be setup for awhile since i just setup my first reef. im wondering how you guys do tank maintenance with these guys?

 

[travisurfer]

umm, how do you do maintenance on mantis tanks?

 

[Thurge]

I do manitanince like any other tank. The difference being I may use tongs to reack for something off the bottom. Generally I just reach in though. Grimreefers.c also has a manits forum.

 

[travisurfer]

ok, i guess the worst that could happen is a broken finger anyway? how often do you have to feed these guys with snails,etc? can you just put a bunch in there and let them take em down one by one or do you have to have some kind of system?

 

[olivia640]

You can just throw snails and things in the tank and let the mantis feed when it wants to. If you want the snails to be your temporary cleaning crew you can also feed your mantis frozen food like mysis, scallops, shrimp, etc. I usually put about 10 snails/hermits in my tank at a time. A few of them get gobbled up right away, the rest usually last 1-2 months depending on how often I feed my mantis frozen food (almost every day).

I don't think a mantis will break your finger. At the very worst you may need a stitch or two, but then again I've never suffered a mantis inflicted injury.

 

[travisurfer]

ok thanks. im really thinking about getting one. for some reason i was thinking they cost more to feed. would a 10gal mantis tank with chaeto benefit from a skimmer or do they prefer nutrient rich water?