20L - Mantis Tank Build - Gonodactylus smithii

Discussion in 'Show Off Your Fish Tanks!' started by Kelley11, Apr 30, 2010.

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  1. Kelley11

    Kelley11 Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2009
    Messages:
    418
    Location:
    Porterville, CA
    I started with a 8 Gallon Biocube which probably would of been fine for my Mantis but she looked like she needed more room and I have enjoyed watching her more then anything else so I went a little nuts. I will not transfer her into this tank until I am sure water parameters stay good. Let me know your thoughts - Good and Bad :)

    Tank:
    TruVu Acrylic Aquarium - 30x10x14
    Notes: Great company to work with, I had excellent communication and they customized the openings to my specifications at no additional charge. My filter / skimmer fit perfect.

    Filtration:
    Emperor 280
    Rio Nano Skimmer
    LR: 44 Lbs Fiji LR / 10lbs of LS - Once I transfer Mantis into tank there will be close 55 lbs of LR.
    Notes: While I wish I could run a sump it is just not possible in the current location (also the only location I could get approval from my wife). I like the Emperor 280 as it pulls a lot of water and the second chamber I use for nitrate sponge. The Rio will soon be upgraded to a CPR Aeroforce skimmer.

    Heater:
    Fluval 100 Watt
    Notes: I love these heaters, easy to set and the alarm feature is great for catching your attention. They are also protected with a plastic cover (nice for when you have a curious Mantis like mine).

    Lighting:
    Aquaticlife T5 HO - Originally was Marineland LED

    ATO:
    Currently using a JBJ ATO. Simple hookup using a 5 Gallon bucket with Rio Power Head pushing water to tank. This came off my 30 Gallon Biocube that I am upgrading to a Tunze Osmolator.

    Live Stock:
    Currently the tank has a CUC that may become food for the Mantis and one Three Striped Damsel. I would also like to place a couple Damsels in the tank. It would be nice to have something to look at when the Mantis is molting.

    Pictures:

    New toys before setup

    [​IMG]

    Tank with everything in place

    [​IMG]

    Tank getting closer. LR / LS and tank water was largely from my 10 Gallon tank I had setup for almost 6 months. I am hoping there is not much of a cycle.

    [​IMG]

    Here is the tank with everything in place and CUC / Damsel back in.

    [​IMG]

    Notes: I am going to watch tank before I transfer Mantis Shrimp into this tank. I will keep thread updated.

    Thanks and I look forward to feedback!
     
    Last edited: May 31, 2010
    2 people like this.
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  3. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2010
    Messages:
    4,427
    Location:
    SE South Dakota
    Sweet set up! Your little friend will be most happy when you move her over;D
     
  4. divott

    divott Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2009
    Messages:
    3,658
    Location:
    holland landing, ontario ,canada
    thats an excellent looking setup kelley. your mantis is really gonna like its new pad.
     
  5. cyan0304

    cyan0304 Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    Messages:
    117
    Location:
    chicago,il
    Nice tank! Can you take pics of your current tank with the mantis??
     
  6. Kelley11

    Kelley11 Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2009
    Messages:
    418
    Location:
    Porterville, CA
    Here is the current 8 gallon Biocube and of my Mantis :)

    [​IMG]
     
  7. latteslave

    latteslave Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2009
    Messages:
    51
    Sweet setup J!

    A few of the pics aren't showing - guess I will just have to find an excuse to come see it.

    :)
     
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  9. stepho

    stepho Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2008
    Messages:
    2,118
    Location:
    Orlando FL
    Nice setup Kelley11.

    Your G. smithii is going to love it.
     
  10. project1

    project1 Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2010
    Messages:
    196
    Location:
    stuart FL
    sweet mantis! mine sits in his hole all day and ambushs the food i put in. what kinda mantis is yours?
     
  11. Kelley11

    Kelley11 Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2009
    Messages:
    418
    Location:
    Porterville, CA
    Sorry, fixed the links. Anytime you want to come over :). Thinking about adding her to the tank today.
     
  12. Kelley11

    Kelley11 Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2009
    Messages:
    418
    Location:
    Porterville, CA
    She is a Purple Spot Mantis or Gonodactylus smithii if you prefer :)

    Looks similiar to this one:
     

    Attached Files:

    1 person likes this.