Want to start a mantis tank

[duds]

I have a few questions before i start to set-up,

1. I will get a 20 gallon tank, but does it have to be acrylic? i will be getting a peacock mantis

2. if i get glass it wont brake right?

3. How much live rock should i add in the tank?

4. how much of the live rock has to be established so i dont go through a cycle?

5. I would like to do black sand, and i have read that mantis' like multi grain sand/ crushed coral, what can i do so i can do black sand and make sure the mantis is happy?

6. How much flow does the tank need?

7. I can feed the mantis frozen brine and mysis correct?

8. Do i need a hob filter or some type of mechanical filter?

Thanks
Duds

 

[Monkeyfish]

The peacock mantis' smash can be equal to that of a .22 bullet. I've never heard of or seen one break a glass tank though theoretically it certainly could.

I'd put about 20lbs of live rock in the tank and arrange it so the shrimp will have a little home, but can still be viewable. However, he may rearrange things to his liking regardless. Unless the rock is 100% cured you will have some "cycle" in the tank and this is desirable to help build up beneficial bacteria. Set up the tank with the rock first and then, AFTER the cycle is complete (Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate are all 0) add the shrimp.

Not sure about their preference regarding sand. IMO as long as they have materials (rocks, shells, rubble) to make some type of shelter/burrow they should be ok.

Flow should be at least 10X tank turnover per hour, but no more than 20.

You'll need to feed him larger food items such as krill, prawns, table shrimp, chunks of silverside and live snails and crabs.

I always use some type of mechanical/chemical filtration (chemipure or polyfilter pads) on all of my tanks, but that is a personal preference.

 

[duds]

is there a special way i should arrange the rock
sounds good for the rest
Duds

 

[Frostyeel]

Make sure that you make at least one dark cave that will be big enough for your mantis. When you first put it in the tank it will probably head strait for the nearest cave or cover, and you want one for it to find. Once it is more comfortable in your tank it might rearange the rocks and make its own cave.