Mantis Shrimp- Tank Suggestions...

[mfk4life]

Hi everyone, I'm new to saltwater and was wondering what should I get for a Peacock Mantis Shrimp in terms of what size tank,acrylic,protein skimmer, etc. Any input would be great. Was thinking about getting a 14 gallon biocube but thought I might as well ask some Mantis Shrimp owners. Instead of my lfs.

 

[Gene0514]

peacock mantises growth very big. people keep them singly in thick acrylic tanks so they don't break the tank. They also need a deep sand bed to burrow in. You should think about some of the smaller species if you want to keep one in the 14 gal.

 

[BIGgourami]

a smaller species would do fine in a 14 gallon...

a spearer would be less likely to break the tank than a smasher i think, but a peacock is just too big, maybe the 29

a ciliata, viridis, or smithii would be a great choice

 

[mfk4life]

well how big of a tank then.. if i want a peacock?

 

[Mike fail]

30-40 on the peacock i would say

 

[mfk4life]

thank you kindly everyone.

 

[Will Hayward]

For a peacock you want each side of the tank to be a mimimum of 18". Knowing they can reach sizes of about 8" a 12 tank would be far to risky, and allow to many accidental opportunities to hit the sizes of the tank. I think a 24x24" tank would be pretty awesome. About 30-45 Gallons.

Secondly, Biocubes are not suitable because of the lighting. Stomatapods strongly prefer very dim lighting, or they will rarely if ever comfortably show themselves.

 

[Pufferpunk]

Be sure you have at least 3" of sand & lots of rock. Also, tons of rock rubble for him to create a cave for himself. That's the most fascinating thing to watch!

 

[micstarz]

Agreed with Pufferpunk.

I have a small N. wennerae. He's the bomb.

But if you like species that like to come out more get a peacock. If you get a small one you could probably wait a few molts before you had to upgrade size but yeah...

Get a "long" tank because they tend to stay near the bottom and don't need that much vertical swimming area (if it's a peacock mantis 5-7 times the height of the shrimp should be fine)

A skimmer might not be needed. Buy one if you want to spoil him...

Depending on your individual, you might be able to feed him FD stuff. But if he's picky you're gonna have to find him live crabs, hermits, snails, crayfish. ghost shrimp. You get the jist.

Peacock and larger smashers:
Deep sand (or a PVC tube)
Larger tank and hard shelled foods

Spearers like P. ciliata:
10gal is comfortable
Soft bodied prey like fish

Smaller Smashers:
Same 10gal tank
PVC tube for hiding
Smashable prey (like freshwater snails, sw snails are too thick shelled)

 

[mfk4life]

Agreed with Pufferpunk.

I have a small N. wennerae. He's the bomb.

But if you like species that like to come out more get a peacock. If you get a small one you could probably wait a few molts before you had to upgrade size but yeah...

Get a "long" tank because they tend to stay near the bottom and don't need that much vertical swimming area (if it's a peacock mantis 5-7 times the height of the shrimp should be fine)

A skimmer might not be needed. Buy one if you want to spoil him...

Depending on your individual, you might be able to feed him FD stuff. But if he's picky you're gonna have to find him live crabs, hermits, snails, crayfish. ghost shrimp. You get the jist.

Peacock and larger smashers:
Deep sand (or a PVC tube)
Larger tank and hard shelled foods

Spearers like P. ciliata:
10gal is comfortable
Soft bodied prey like fish

Smaller Smashers:
Same 10gal tank
PVC tube for hiding
Smashable prey (like freshwater snails, sw snails are too thick shelled)

very insightful thanks micstarz