Tank Construction (would like imput)

[Moose418]

After looking through 40 pages in the Mantis Shrimp Section, I could not find an answer to my question so here goes. I currently have a 4- 1/2 female Peacock Mantis (O. scllarus) In a small acrylic tank that needs to be upgraded. As I have read multiple times it is very unlikely that they will crack glass tanks, I would rather not take the chance and go with an acrylic tank. (I seem to have bad luck with water spills plus is on my computer desk so would be very bad) I think it was mentioned before that a claim was made that a peacock busted a Eclipse Systems tank. So if mine were able to break glass do you think the Eclipse tank would be thick enough to withstand the blow(s)? I am leaning more toward making my own acrylic or having it made by someone. (Not very large, and just temporary untill I move out) Dimensions would be approx. 19"x 12" x 9" tall. Would 1/4" acrylic be strong enough to hold him. Just paranoid because he already comes out looks at me and starts hammering away at the rounded corner of his tank and also the bottom.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[yankeereefer]

Like you posted, it is very unlikely that your O.s. will actually break the glass tank. I don't know of anyone on the board that has ever had it happen.

I'm not so sure about eclipse though - Are they even acrylic? I thought they were just plastic.

Honestly, since you're saying that a custom acrylic would only be "temporary", I'd save you're money and do it right.

Maybe buy a used 20H for now. If it makes you feel better, you can silicone in a piece of acrylic on the bottom of the tank. This would e a much easier and cheaper way to go.

 

[KafudaFish]

Funny you should ask about breaking glass. This morning my peacock was moving rubble around and punching. After 4 or 5 punches I looked over and noticed it was punching the front glass rather than the rubble. My mantis is 5" long and every few months the glass gets hit. Am I worried? Not really. I am more concerned about my son hitting the glass with a hard toy and breaking the glass long before the mantis.

 

[Moose418]

Yeah, I will most likely go with a 20 or 15H with the acrylic siliconed on the bottom for now. For the future when I build or have a tank built, would 1/4" be thick enough, 3/8"? I just want to make sure that he will not be able to break through the arcylic because of it not being thick enough however unlikely it is.