The Mantis or the Horse?

[EddieReal]

Hey everyone I'm new to this board, I usually post at seahorse.org. I was seriously considering setting up dwarf seahorse tank . . . until I found out about the mantis shrimp. I like the land mantis, saltwater tanks, and interesting, low-maintenance pets, so the mantis shrimp seems like the perfect choice for me. I'm thinking about setting up an Eclipse 6, with live rock and the shrimp.
Does any one have an interesting shrimp they donââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t want, perhaps in the Houston area?
Also, what is the best substrate for a mantis tank?
Thanks!

 

[PSEUDOREEFER]

The substrate depends on the species. Spearer mantis shrimps tend to make their own holes in the sand to live in and depending on the adult size of the shrimp, you may need a deeper substrate. As for getting a shrimp; try calling all the LFS's in your area. I remember that a store in the Houston area had a giant spearer a few months ago. They might have another one

 

[Rowdymon]

I"ve been searching for one for a couple of weeks now, the only luck I've had is with the fish ranch...they are the only ones I know of that have them on a regular basis...

They had one when I went in, but it looked a bit spooky, his 'head' fins weren't working on one side that I could tell, and it was very plain..

Still; I would have given it a shot, but not for $50..

THere are also a few that will possibly special order you one...

have you been to www.marshreef.com
?

IT's teh local Houston area Reef guys...great discounts at LFS on top of everything else..

 

[ReneX]

From what little marine experience I have, dwarf seahorses are not low-maintenance. All that live food can be tough and needs to be done daily. Seahorses are rewarding, but can be a lot of work.

Just my $.02

 

[Hwarang]

If you want low maintenance then don't get a seahorse, lol! You'll really enjoy a stomatopod. They have lots of personality. Fun fun!

And there are like 5 for free on this board right now.

 

[EddieReal]

I've done a lot of research on the dwarves and the hatching baby brine shrimp seems like a real hassle. I really want to get a striker mantis shrimp. I want a shrimp that burrows, like the one in the fluorescent mantis video, that thing looks magnificent, like something out of a very good monster movie. MarshReef.com looks like a good bet.

Does anyone here have a mantis shrimp they donââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t want?
You can e-mail me at thepretenderss@yahoo.com
Or AIM name: fuul46

 

[EddieReal]

Could I set up my eclipse 6, and move the whole thing in 3 months, if I save the water and keep the bio-wheel wet?