Fisrt Post..New to salt: Stomatapods

Hi there. I just joined this forum. Im interested in maybe setting up a simple salt water setup for a peacock mantis shrimp. I have a few questions. First off i'm completely new to salt water but currently I have a 55 gal tanganyikan community. I want to know how big a tank needs to be for a peacock. I want to put a tank on my desk at home so a smaller footprint would be ideal. Im thinking a 30 gallon acrylic that measures 24 in x24in high x 12 in? is this feasible?

What filtration is needed for a peacock mantis. If i feed small amounts so they cant store food. do i need a sump? what type of lighting should i get? does the tank need a tightly fit lid? um.. what else? thats about it for now. I'll let you know when other questions come to me. THanks GUys ;D

I know the salt water hobby is pretty pricy, but if you guys have some places i can buy discount supplies i would really appreciate it.

-all the best
, Harrison

 

Hi and Welcome to 3reef Harrison.

I have not kept a mantis in many years so I shall defer to those that kept them more recently. Just wanted to say Hi.

 

Hi! ;D

 

Harrison,

Welcome to 3Reef.

I don't keep Mantis either, but,

The best place to get low cost stuff for our hobby is:
Local Aquarium/Reef clubs internet site
CraigsList

Good luck, Let us know how it's going, and of course post lots of pics!

Todd

 

will do. thanks Todd

 

Welcome to 3reef! I'm just saying hi also because I've never kept a mantis. I know people have talked about what interesting creatures they are a peacock is a very nice choice - so colorful.

 

also, what is the water change regimen? how manny gallon for a 30 gallon and how often?

 

That is going to depend on how large the mantis is and how often it eats. You will be monitoring the water quality by testing for nitrates. If I remember correctly you need to be cautious of trace elements as Mantis are susceptible to bad molts.

Found this:
A Load of Learnin' About Mantis Shrimps by James Fatherree - Reefkeeping.com
The Lurker's Guide to Stomatopods - Mantis Shrimp
Roy's List of Stomatopods for the Aquarium

 

i was looking at some other threads and i found this setup for a peacock mantis. will this work long term?

20 Gallon Acryllic - $115.00 (30 Gallon is $148.00)
Emperor 280 Filter - $48.00
Rio HOB Skimmer - $28.00
Basic light kit - $40.00

Thats just about in my price range. lemme know if this would work for a peacock. thanks

 

Get the 30 gallon.