Couple mantis questions

[loconorc]

Hey all, I've done lots of reading on mantises, but there isnt exactly a goldmine of information, so I have a few questions.

I have one more year of high school left, and from what I can tell, most colleges allow aquariums, but not over 20 gallons. If the one I go to allows reptiles (pretty unlikely), I will bring my other pets and not get a mantis. But would a peacock mantis live its whole life in a 20 gallon comfortably? I will most likely bring my figure 8 puffer with me, but I would die without something supercool (not that puffers arent a ton of fun), and it'll already be hard enough without my reptiles, who I am extremely close to. So would a peacock (or even a zebra) live comfortably in a 20 gallon? And for those who are in college, would the average dorm give me enough space to house a 20 gallon or two if I'm organized with my space?
I've got my heart set on a peacock, or even a zebra, but if that's not doable I suppose I could live with a smaller one.

Also, what can live with one? Are there ANY fish or inverts that can reasonably be kept with one? I honestly can't really think of anything, especially in terms of fish, but it would be nice if there were one. I suppose if there was it would probably require more room, which I most likely will not have anyway. What about an anemone or feather duster? It would be nice to have some pretty on top of the live rock cave.

Last question - How necessary is an acrylic tank? I know a spearer like a zebra wouldnt do any damage to glass, but I'm a little worried about a big peacock, or even a smaller smasher, in a glass tank. Is acrylic more expensive than glass?

I guess that was more than a few questions, but I would appreciate any help

 

[loconorc]

Anyone? I know its kind of a long post but I promise I wouldnt have asked it all if I couldnt find the answers already

 

[mr.reef24]

Hey all, I've done lots of reading on mantises, but there isnt exactly a goldmine of information, so I have a few questions.

I have one more year of high school left, and from what I can tell, most colleges allow aquariums, but not over 20 gallons. If the one I go to allows reptiles (pretty unlikely), I will bring my other pets and not get a mantis. But would a peacock mantis live its whole life in a 20 gallon comfortably? No but there are other sweet mantis shrimps that could. I will most likely bring my figure 8 puffer with me, but I would die without something supercool (not that puffers arent a ton of fun), and it'll already be hard enough without my reptiles, who I am extremely close to. So would a peacock (or even a zebra) live comfortably in a 20 gallon? And for those who are in college, would the average dorm give me enough space to house a 20 gallon or two if I'm organized with my space?
I've got my heart set on a peacock, or even a zebra, but if that's not doable I suppose I could live with a smaller one.

Also, what can live with one? nothing lol they would be food maybe some coral's but with care as they may knock them over unintentionally.Are there ANY fish or inverts that can reasonably be kept with one? Nope I honestly can't really think of anything, especially in terms of fish, but it would be nice if there were one. I suppose if there was it would probably require more room, which I most likely will not have anyway. What about an anemone or feather duster? feather duster yes wouldn't try an anemone due to the movement of the mantis you wouldn't want him to accidentally be chasing food and become anemone dinner. It would be nice to have some pretty on top of the live rock cave.

Last question - How necessary is an acrylic tank? not really necassary more of what you like better. I know a spearer like a zebra wouldnt do any damage to glass, but I'm a little worried about a big peacock, or even a smaller smasher, in a glass tank. Is acrylic more expensive than glass? Yes

I guess that was more than a few questions, but I would appreciate any help

if you need anything else send me a private message

mr.reef24

 

[loconorc]

Okay, thanks for reply, but Ill reply here in case others have some input too.

How big of a tank would an adult peacock or zebra need? And how long do these big boys live?

And if the anemone is significantly smaller than the mantis (like a big peacock or zebra), is it still a threat, and could a big mantis damage it? Any other nice-looking stationary inverts that could work besides coral? Flame scallops, sponges, trichidna (however you spell that) clams, anything? What about moving inverts, ie starfish, urchins, cucumbers, and snails?

And so I would be correct in saying that there is little to no risk involved with keeping an adult peacock mantis in a glass tank, and I wont be evicted from my college dorm because of a shattered tank with 20+ gallons of water on the floor?

 

[Specialk314]

i haven't kept a mantis but was considering it at one point so i did a lot of research. off the bat, i'd rule out getting a zebra. they're the largest of the stomatopods and require a substrate 1.5x the length of their body (too deep for a 20g sadly at it's full body length of 15in). Roy Caldwell is the leading expert on stomatopods, here's a link to his site of species and general info http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthropoda/crustacea/malacostraca/eumalacostraca/royslist/index.html
I thought about getting a mantis shrimp but I have one year of college left and decided to go freshwater to make it easier at school (not worrying about mixing salt and whatnot).
A 20g should fit in your dorm, i don;t know how big your room is though. i hope my school doesn't have that 20g limit, i'm setting up a 55g but i have a large single room so it fits nicely.
This site (http://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productlist.asp?did=2&cid=84)has the largest selection of mantises that i've found, some are out of stock but once you get moved in and your tank cycled they may be in stock
Good Luck in your search for your mantis and apologies for the lengthy answer, i hope it was of some help to you!

 

[niblit]

i keep a rose anome a carpet a maroon clown and some coral pieces in with my peacock mantis they have been together for over a year

 

[~ocean]

20 g is fine... don't add fish. Green mantises are what i recomand, the zebras need a 30 g or bigger. you need deep sand.

 

[OnceLoyal]

I housed 2 clowns and a carpet anemone with my peacock for years. Mantis died (got back into the sump somehow).. They were fine together. Any other inverts will die.

BTW imo the only way an anemone could get damaged is if the mantis got stuck in/on it he would probably tear it up trying ot get out.