which is best for me?

[bayvillian516]

Right now im redoing, my sump/fuge
Its a 30 gallon and I have it divided in 2 parts
about half of it is devoted to my skimmer and return pump, the other half is a dsb(about 4-5 inches) and I have some chaeto enclosed behind some egg crate. I really would like to get a mantis in there. I have a 55 gallon up top with 2 small clowns, a Lawn mower blenny, a sand sifting goby and a LTA. My water has been stable since my tank started back in july.
Im hoping to get a somewhat entertaining mantis who wont outgrow the 12-15 gallons....also one who wont break through the glass.
What would be a good candidate for my soon to be ex-fuge?
Also how often do these guys need to be fed....3 times a week?
thanks guys

 

[yankeereefer]

If you put it in the sump, you'll not see it very often (assuming the sump is under a cabinet).

Given the DSB, you could probably get away with a spearer or smasher type of mantis.

Both of mine are smashers (smithii and peacock) so I really can't speak about anything but them.

With the size of the part of the sump you are dedicating to the mantis, I would go with a smithii or wennerae - I have owned both and found them to be interactive.

As far as feeding goes - I always keep a supply of snails in the tank so they can snack at will. Twice a week (or so) I will give selcon soaked krill or shrimp.

 

[bayvillian516]

I dont have my sump enclosed behind a cabinet so it will always be in view. Where do you keep the snails? If I put a whole bunch of snails in the sump will the mantis stop eating when he's full?

 

[yankeereefer]

You'll be glad that it's not enclosed - mantis are very interesting to watch.

The mantis will stop eating once it's had it's fill. I usually stick 6-8 snails in at a time - The last one's gone typically in 1.5-2 weeks.