well if the tank is only about 2 feet deep, no need for a 10" to 12" sand bed.. That would be half the tank.
If only doing Mantis shrimp, the set up will not be to hard to do.
2" to 3" of substrate.
Live rock
Compact lighting will work for what you are doing and is cheaper than T5 lighting.
light water flow
and yes, I would get a skimmer. (my opinion is no matter what kind of saltwater tank you set up, a skimmer is important)
Also, if you set it up this way, you can later use it as a fish only tank without changing a thing
Or with a light upgrade, you can do a coral/fish tank..
Try to find out the size of the tank. This will help you pick out the size skimmer you need for it.
I always get a skimmer that is rated at least 20 gallons over the size of my tank if not bigger... This way I dont have to worry about bio matter....
If only keeping the shrimp in the tank, water changes will not need to be done that much.
When cycling the tank, do at least 15% weekly.
After its cycled and up and running for swhile. When you add in your shrimp, you can cut back on your water changes.
I wouldnt do less than every two weeks, but get a water tester and you can figure out whats best for your tank..
The live rock will also help with filtration of the tank.. Being the shrimp do not put off very much bio-load, your tank should be easy to maintain..
Just watch your lighting times.
Algae (red slime and red hair algae) will be your main problem.
You dont want alot of water flow in the tank with those type of shrimp (they can handle a med water flow and I would do that if you can), but since your water flow will be low to med., you take a change of getting red slime algae. This you dont want due to it can take over your tank and rock.. With keeping shrimp, watch for copper based meds. But there is a good red slime algae med that you can use to help if you get any and it startes taking over that will not harm shrimp. (Chemiclean red slime remover)
hope this helps you get started
