Just built a nano.

I was in the process of tearing down my 29gal tank I used for housing feeders and I noticed that I have a 5.5gal tank sitting in my basement. Then the idea hit me. So I went to the local fish store and got some stuff. This is my first nano/pico(I dont know which.) I also have a 2.5gal pico coming soon too. Just thought that I would share. What kind of stuff do you guys put it in your nanos?
Specs:
5.5gal All-Glass
AquaTech HOT
Mini-Heater
1lbs live rock(more to come when I strip down the devil crab tank)
White surgar sand bed
A duel incandescent fixture with fluorescent converson bulbs 2x10watts(spectrum unknown)

I am excited on this. I just dont know what I want to put in it when shes cycled.

http://www.3reef.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=1952
http://www.3reef.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/1953

 

I small shrimp goby and pistal shrimp would work well.

 

Mantis!

 

I want a mantis so bad. I am still trying to figure out what kinda tank for one to go in. Then how to get one.

 

What kinda tank is easy. 10 or more gallons acrylic for the larger species of mantis. Locating one for sale or otherwise is the tricky part! A lot of folks on the mantis forum of Reef Central sell and trade the more common hitchiking types of mantis so you might want to see what's available when you're ready.

 

Hey Amcarrig, do you think my 12 gal nano would hold a mantis? Might be a good college pet...i can threaten to feed my enemies to it...ha!

 

The smaller species of smasher would be fine in a 12 gallon. I wouldn't recommend putting a peacock or other large mantis in a tank that small though because they have been known to smash glass and the smaller the aquarium, the thinner the glass.

 

How big of a tank would I need for a peacock?

 

IMO, I wouldn't put a peacock in anything smaller than a 20 gallon, unless you can find a 10-15 gallon in acrylic.

 

One question, if we are worried about a larger mantis breaking a glass tank...wont is scratch the acrylic tank alot?