tank size for a spearer

[fischcrazy]

I have had a n. wannerae for a few months now and i was thinking about setting up a 40 gal. tank for a spearer. what type of mantis should i look for, that would be comfortable in this size tank? also should i have a completely barren tank (besides a DSB)

 

[Gonodactylus]

It depends on what you want in a stomatopod. You could hold a large (up to 8 inch) Lysiosquillid in a 40 gal., but you would need to provide a deep layer of sand for it to dig a burrow. Since it isn't practical to fill the entire tank with sand, I recommend partitioning off part of the tank to fill with sand. The rest of it can have corals or whatever. A large 4 inch P. ciliata would also do well in a 40 - lots of room to roam.

Roy

 

[mattyice]

well it matters what spearing type you go with, if its a burrowing type like the big daddy L. Mac most of that tank will be sand, or if you go with something like a P. Ciliata or a C. Dubia then a sand or muddy bottom will be fine

 

[Thurge]

What kind of "personality" do you want in your spearing mantis? If you like the idea of a monster that sits and waits to ambush prey, then the big L. maculatta is what you are looking for. If you want a mantis with a little more activity and will stalk a damsel, then you are looking for a P.cilliata.

 

[fischcrazy]

im goin with an l. mac. thanks for the help!!