Filter for a mantis?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
L

loconorc

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 11, 2007
1,417
0
0
Virginny
Hey, I'm getting a peacock mantis for my dorm next year, and I was hoping I can use the filter I already have, a Tetra Whisper In-Tank Filter (20i). I know this is a SUPER noob question, but can I even use that in saltwater? It works great with my brackish Figure 8 puffer, but after a million google searches I can't figure it out. I don't see why it wouldn't but saltwater filtration confuses me to hell and back, so I could easily be wrong. Mantises don't need protein skimmers or anything fancy anyway, just some RO water and no harmful outside chemicals.

I've talked to several mantis people, and the general consensus tells me that it would be okay to house a 4 incher in a 15 gallon glass tank (upgrading later), with an acrylic sheet on the bottom (where the most strikes would occur), instead of going full acrylic. VERY few people have had problems in any circumstance, and I think it sounds pretty safe, but what do you mantis keepers think?
 
Also, do you think it's necessary to put a top on the tank?
 
Anybody? :/
 
It would work on fine as long as you fill the camber up with live rock rubble. You could use bio media but for such a small amount, I would just get some live rock (it helps with the ph too). Place a rough mat of mechanical underneath it all to keep the impeller from any possible damage and you're set. Saltwater depends on bio filtration more than it does mechanical. I would find a way to deflect the water outlet though. Maybe let it crash over a rock before it hits the sand.
 
I say forget a filter. Get tons of Live Rock. And then get a skimmer that does 100gallons plus for the tank! Octopus skimmers are good. And that should be enough for mantis tank. And if you want to upgrade all you need is bigger tank skimmer wont have to change.

Ive done research on them and plan on getting one after my 30gal octopus tank.

But here some stuff I have read.
Never add iodine in the water.
You can make a sump if you would like. But your intank filter will probably be ruined by sand after a while.

And Idt you will really have to be worried about him breaking the glass. Not many do I hear just when one is overly excited at feeding time
 
fishy12;4235802; said:
I say forget a filter. Get tons of Live Rock. And then get a skimmer that does 100gallons plus for the tank! Octopus skimmers are good. And that should be enough for mantis tank. And if you want to upgrade all you need is bigger tank skimmer wont have to change.

Ive done research on them and plan on getting one after my 30gal octopus tank.

But here some stuff I have read.
Never add iodine in the water.
You can make a sump if you would like. But your intank filter will probably be ruined by sand after a while.

And Idt you will really have to be worried about him breaking the glass. Not many do I hear just when one is overly excited at feeding time
Click to expand...



Not sure if you misread his question but he was asking about an all inclusive tank under 30 gallons for his dorm room with the materials he already has.

But fishy12's post did get me thinking. You can just take that amount of crush rubble and trade it out for some nice pieces of whole live rock. Then use the pump on the filter as a pump for the tank. That way you can get rid of the big black filter and maximize the tank space. I would also recommend a top to keep the shrimp and condensation in, and drunk college students out.
 
No I ment that he just takes the 20gal gets quite a bit of live rock for it. Then hooks the protein skimmer on it. Then get 2 powerheads and aim them right at the liverock and use that as filtration.

Thats is my plan on my octopus tank since its only 30gal. Ill take a skimmer up to 50-100 gals run that on it then add lots of liverock then point the powerheads on it.
 
Well I have no money for a Skimmer or just about anything else that I don't already have or plan on buying. Can I or can I not use the Whisper in-tank filter? I really need to know!
 
I've got a 4 incher in a 16 bow front. For the bottom glass I used egg crate then added the crushed coral. I also used egg crate for the top. For filtration I used an aquaclear AC30 with only carbon and filter sponge. I just put a couple of pieces of ABS pipes and covered it up with some misc rocks and rubble I got for a few buck from the LFS. Other than that I've had no problems. He hosted the home I made for him immediately and its been about a month or so and hes quite happy.

Chonh
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom