Mantis Experts Needed

[Fish Eat Fish]

Hello, I have a nano reef that just will not stop growing algae no matter how hard I try and no matter how much phosphate sponge I use. Im thinking about scaping it and converting it into a mantis tank! Im thinking I can down throw in some weaker bulbs and wont have so much algae to deal with. Not to mention matis shrimp seem crazy cool.

But first I need to know the ins and out of mantis keeping!

Please tell me any tips you can and I have some specific questions.

1. What do I feed? Krill?

2. Any special needs?

3. Do I still need to use RO water?

4. Will I be able to see it often or will it always hide?

5. Whats the coolest kind in your opinnion?

6. Wheres the best place to buy?

7. Anyone have any they want to get rid of?

8. Is there anything ive missed?

[TitansFan]

1) I feed my mantis pieces of raw fresh shrimp from a grocery store. I soak it in vitamins to help. Also atleast once a month I put in a couple of hermits or snails for him to keep his rapters sharp and let him hunt like he does in the wild.

2) Specials needs would be some rubble to help build a home, a sandy bottom, and low light. A Mantis can actually get a shell disease in high lighting.

3) RO water ... yes! RO water is what will help keep the algae away and impurties out of the tank.

4) He will do some hiding.. alot depends on the type you get and its own personality. They do every couple of months molt. During the molt they shed their skin. This usually takes a week during which the mantis hides.

5) The coolest is a peacock mantis. You would need a large tank for it though of atleast 3 feet long and 30 gallons. I have a Neogonodactylus wennerae as it is a smaller species. It is a fairly active one and easy to find.

6) Your local LFS might be able to get one. Especially if they order rock from Florida. TBS a company in Florida that does live rock will ship one to your door for $50. http://www.tampabaysaltwater.com/ord...pricelist.html

7) This is another way to find one... from local hobbiests

8) For more information on wonderful Stomatopods check out this website:
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthrop...raca/royslist/
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/aquarius/index.html

Good Luck! I love my Mantis!

[Fish Eat Fish]

thanks alot! Also how much should I expect to pay for one? Lets say a peacock?

[TitansFan]

A peacock I would expect to be in the $50 and above range. If you can even find one...

[TitansFan]

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...catid=1702&N=0

[Fish Eat Fish]

ok cool and thanks. Anything else I should know or consider?

Also are there any really cool spearers?

[Fish Eat Fish]

I actually found a Zebra and Golden Mantis at a LFS. WHat do you guys think?

[Fish Eat Fish]

also would a leaf fish work with the zebra mantis? It sure doesn't act like a fish

[TitansFan]

If this is the mantis you are considering:
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthrop...ame=l_maculata

Then I would say no to any fish. There are basically 2 different types of mantis. One is a "smasher" and the other is a "spearer".
The smasher is built to prey on snails and crabs. They are fitted with a "club" that can break through shells and such.
The spearer is equipped with what is basically a spear. The spear is meant to stab through soft flesh which equals fish. They mainly prey upon fish.

With any mantis I would never put in a fish that you would be upset about losing. In other words don't put in an expensive fish that may become food. I keep a damsel with my "smasher" mantis.

BTW.. when you say leaf fish are you speaking of a scorpion fish? I would wonder who would eat who in that instance.

[Fish Eat Fish]

yes I am. They are both about 3 inch ATM so im sure the leaf wouldnt mess with it but the mantis seem darn aggressive. I know what your saying and I agree...thats what I was thinking

Any other opinions or experiences?

Also what do you guys think would be more interesting? a scorpion leaf fish or a zebra mantis?

[mielikkishunt]

I saw one of these fish at the LFS the other day, I had no clue they got so freaking big, looked like something out of MIB!

[Fish Eat Fish]

I actually just bought the zebra mantis...its supposedly the biggest of the mantis species! 13 inch long eventually!

[Fish Eat Fish]

anyone have mantis keeping advice for me with my new pet?

[Fish Eat Fish]

no?

[GruntSculpin]

I think that Dr. Roy has some advice for keeping big spearers up on another forum.

You need to simulate a DEEP sandbed. 18" or so.

Not many people are going to know, because not many people end up with an animal that needs a foot of sand to be healthy.