Mantis Tank

SJLord · 08-12-2007, 04:11 PM

Ok, I have been away from this for sooooooooo..... Long im trying to get back into my reef addiction...

I currently have an Eclipse 12 here at work, and have now setup a live sand bed (about 1 1/2" or so). I used the precultured Live sand. I am getting some live rock (unsure what poundage I should shoot for) for my new pet (not aquired yet) to build his house in.

I am currently searching for a Peacock Mantis, I have a friend who owns a local petshop that has placed an order, but no one has them available.

Im just curious about the setup of such a small tank, Water changes on a weekly or bi-weekly basis should help Nitrates, live rock and sand should help with Ammonia and Nitrites once the tank is cycled. Should I look into some Plantlife for help on the Nitrates? What about copods and Bristle worms - or some kind of cleanup crew? Obvously something that the Mantis will not eat ...

Which comes to my next question, Mantis will eat raw seafood from what I have heard, and even if I went to a local fish market and got some clams or muscles ... any input on what could/might work best?

Thanks for the read, and hope all is well with you and yours

Steven

leveldrummer · 08-12-2007, 04:52 PM

i think a weekly water change would keep everything in line, just test the water frequently for the first half a year and see if the water changes are keeping the polutants in check, if not, more frequent ones, or larger ones should work, pods and worms and such should come in on the live rock, so i wouldnt worry about adding them, just make sure to let the rock cycle for long enough. im not sure if mysis will eat dead food or not, ive never kept them, but i know they will eat live food

its worth a try, and yes, any fresh sea food from your local grocery store would work. but it might have to a certain type of food for the shrimp to eat it (it might not like clams, but would eat chuncks of fish)

the only thing i would worry about is the tank itself, mantis have been known to crack tanks, so keep that in mind. otherwise, i think you have a really cool setup comming, and dont forget to post pictures!!

Loverotties · 08-12-2007, 07:40 PM

I wouldn't want one!

beach bum · 08-12-2007, 10:06 PM

That tank is too small for a peacock. I would say 20g minimum.

beach bum · 08-12-2007, 10:07 PM

something like this G. chiragra stays smaller, is probably more active, and very pretty.

beach bum · 08-12-2007, 10:11 PM

You don't need to feed every day 3-4 times a week is plenty, so water changes don't need to be compulsively done, every other week should be good. Most imporatntly watch salinity swings as you would with any invertebrate. Any meaty food should do - shrimp, krill, silversides, chunk of mysis, all are good.

MAcro will help dress up the tank and keep it from looking barren if you have no corals, in addition to the nutrient removal. thumbs up there from me.

good luck.

SJLord · 08-13-2007, 07:23 PM

thanks for the input! Ill look into the other types of Mantis for something I like that will work better in the 12g Eclipse ...

toniell · 08-13-2007, 07:53 PM

I like the banana yellow mantis.

cath · 08-13-2007, 11:15 PM

Steven!!!!!!!!! I haven't seen you in nearly a hunnert years. Welcome back

Doug1 · 08-14-2007, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cath

Steven!!!!!!!!! I haven't seen you in nearly a hunnert years. Welcome back

Hunnert hell, it's been at least 4 score and 20

You still out in Nevada?
As to the mantis, that 6" Peacock I got Razagill did fine in a 20L, given there shy reclusive nature except when hunting I think a 12g would suffice, at least for a long while, but I would certainly set it up for ease of siphoning shrimp poo and a nice skimmer, maybe a Remora Pro

WElcome back, hows the family?

motorslave · 08-14-2007, 01:15 AM

I think those things are very cool! Wouldnt want to get in ones way but they are cool! Wouldnt mind having a mantis tank myself...but that will have to get in line with the 50 other things I am "going to do"

SJLord · 08-14-2007, 01:57 PM

Cath!!!! Doug!!!!

Yes, indeed I am still alive.

Still living in Nevada, though now my wife and I own a Pond Store. Oasis Water Gardens in Sparks, Nevada. I now have two additional family members

Jonathan Paul Lord - 3yrs (will be four in October)
Jeramiah Steven Lord - Born June 29th 11:57 2007, 10lbs 5oz
Haley Michelle Lord - 15yrs

I was wondering about a skimmer, doug im going to have to look into your suggestion. Space is VERY limited on this one. I hope to be able to have a 150-250 Reef in the next 5 years ... though, the store has some other things that have to get done first. Well, actually until we own it outright, it prolly wont happen, alas 6 years from now. Oh well, something to look forward to and plan!!!

Good to see you guys

www.stevenlord.com has some pictures in the gallery area
www.ponds4u.com is the store website (not advertising guys, just sharing, in fact I dont sell anything on the site at all ...

Thanks!

Steven

eaglelox · 08-15-2007, 11:00 AM

hey Steven. long time. you still breading the dragons.

Doug1 · 08-15-2007, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eaglelox

hey Steven. long time. you still breading the dragons.

Another voice from the past

How's it going ?

cath · 08-15-2007, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eaglelox

hey Steven. long time. you still breading the dragons.

Great to heara from you, too, Steven