Best substrate for Peacock?

[cthulhuspawn]

Hi everyone! What would be the best substrate for a Peacock Mantis shrimp? I've got a nice 30g acrylic tank with a fluval filter. I was planning on putting some base rock in there and maybe a length of PVC tubing for it to nest in.

However, my LFS (who is a really good privately-owned business) advised against the PVC tube because "you would never see it." What's your opinion about that?

Thanks!

[Koshmar]

I just use a 3 inch deep live sand substrate for my chiragra. You might want to get thick sand (large particles) because they have a tendency to kick it up and cloud the tank. Concerning the pvc, peacocks are very active from what I've heard and most people see them out and about whether or not they have a pvc burrow. It matters little, just go with what you want.

[geffhardy1]

Most mantis shrimp find it hard to make their own burrow because the sand is not sticky enough. Their is a type of mud you can add so they can easily make their burrow. I have a 20gal with a pvc pipe as a burrow underneth the sand. You can try to postition the pipe so its easy for you to view your mantis. And in my situation having a burrow made me see my mantis more becuase once they have a safe place to hide they feel more relaxed and seem to be more active. But their is no way to tell if your mantis will use the pvc pipe. I would try it . I have a Pseudosquilla ciliata new mantis shrimp.