thinking of getting a mantis

[latazyo]

I have a few questions first though

1. I acquired an eclipse 12 for free, so I plan on using that for the mantis tank

is it ok to put corals in a tank with a mantis so that it is not just a rock and water display?

2. I am quite interested in a smithii, is that a good mantis for a new mantis keeper and this size tank?

3. could a striped damsel survive in an eclipse 12 with a mantis?

4. should I expect to actually buy a mantis, or just wait for one to come along on rock or at the pet store or wait for a giveaway here on RC?

thanks in advance (if you offer advice)

 

[rwhhunt]

A 12 gallon tank is a nice size, a smithii would prob be the largest mantis you would want to put in there, a Peacock would be too large. You can put lights over the tank for soft corals and such to give the tank some color. Sometimes mantids can live with fish like damsels. I "tested" my peacock with a damsel to see if she would kill or eat it, and when she didnt for a few months, I determined it safe for a Peaceful fish inhabitant like a clownfish... If your mantis is a spearer like a p ciliata, I doubt you will have much luck keeping a damsel...i didnt. also stay away from aggressive fish that would try and pick on or eat your mantis.. like triggers, puffers, etc...
I would try and order one from your LFS or somewhere online... Good luck trying to get one for "free" on Reefcentral.... there is starting to be a high demand for them so you not the only one looking! also factor in shipping costs and your free is at least $35. Since your in MO, you dont have the luxury of having a plethora of excess mantids floating around like in cali or florida that you can drive to and pick up...
OR you could always go catch one yourself for free! thats what i want to do! my roommate is a marine biologist, so i may have that opportunity...

 

[rwhhunt]

 

[latazyo]

thanks a lot for the info rw

I was really thinking about smithii as being a good choice

are all of those pics you posted the same shrimp or different

the green one on the bottom is pretty cool

 

[Cruella]

i JAVE A SMITHI