Molting mantis!

Discussion in 'ASAP' started by Kashoub, Aug 20, 2009.

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  1. Kashoub

    Kashoub Feather Duster

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    Ok awesome. Thanks guys :)
     
    Kashoub, Aug 22, 2009
    Kashoub, Aug 22, 2009
    #21

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  2. Kashoub

    Kashoub Feather Duster

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    It's been like 4 or 5 days since the start of the molt. I had a towel covering his tank and I took it off and peeked in on him. He's kinda wrapped up and scrunched up. Not on his side anymore but still kinda leaning. He looks like he's doing fine. Think it's safe to put the light back on and get him some food? Or should i wait another day or two?
     
    Kashoub, Aug 24, 2009
    Kashoub, Aug 24, 2009
    #22
  3. schackmel

    schackmel Giant Squid

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    I would wait a couple more days just to be safe.
     
    schackmel, Aug 24, 2009
    schackmel, Aug 24, 2009
    #23
  4. Yellow Tang

    Yellow Tang Bubble Tip Anemone

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    any news?
     
    Yellow Tang, Aug 24, 2009
    Yellow Tang, Aug 24, 2009
    #24
  5. Kashoub

    Kashoub Feather Duster

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    Well...it's been 4 days and he's still alive. So thats good. I think he's at the tail end of his molt. Which is good. I'm gonna give him another day or two to make sure everything is ok before i turn on the light and take off the towel. I peaked in on him today and saw one of his crushers on the sand floor :( lol. But he has new one's. Just the first look scared me. haha. Any ideas on when i know it's ok to take off the towel and turn on the light? Like i know it's been four days but i wanna make sure he's ok. I don't wanna stress him and then he dies. What are some signs that i can observe to know he's nearing the end?
     
    Kashoub, Aug 24, 2009
    Kashoub, Aug 24, 2009
    #25
  6. inwall75

    inwall75 Giant Squid

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    general moving around and no loose pieces of exoskeleton hanging off of it
     
    inwall75, Aug 24, 2009
    inwall75, Aug 24, 2009
    #26

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  7. Kashoub

    Kashoub Feather Duster

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    Alright. Thank you all for the advice. And being there during this new experience for me. I appreciate all your advice and hard work that led you being able to help me out. MUCH thanks.
     
    Kashoub, Aug 24, 2009
    Kashoub, Aug 24, 2009
    #27
  8. micstarz

    micstarz Astrea Snail

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    A mantis preparing for a molt will not lay on it's side out in the open. This is usually a sign of weakness or an ailment. If it starts refusing food and becoming less sociable, then that's a sign that it will molt soon so prepare for abstinence from water changes, ph swings, or anything of the dramatic sort.
     
    micstarz, Aug 25, 2009
    micstarz, Aug 25, 2009
    #28
  9. whippy

    whippy Sailfin Tang

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    Maybe this is a silly question but why are molts so hard on mantis?
     
    whippy, Aug 25, 2009
    whippy, Aug 25, 2009
    #29
  10. fazool666

    fazool666 Sea Dragon

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    I think molting is difficult on all crustaceans, insects, arachnids, etc. It is a stressful time for them and especailly if conditions are not perfect (like an aquarium with other inhabitants), can be even more stressful. The best thing to do with ANYTHING molting is to leave it alone and let nature take its course IMO
     
    fazool666, Aug 25, 2009
    fazool666, Aug 25, 2009
    #30
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