New 5g Eco Pico Mantis tank

Ok after this wish washy thread, I got a good deal for a cool mantis. So I took it. Traded 6 dwarf seahorses for this green mantis, which really looks cool even though the pic's didn't justify it. Met fellow 3reefer civiccars2003 at a midpoint and we made the swap. Nice to meet ya Dan BTW, enjoy the horses.

It's prob 3"s long and will prob outgrow the eco pico, but for now he should be ok for a bit. Ordered 3 maxi minis and some sexy shrimp to add to the rock work, thinking about what other coral to add, suggestions welcome.

New letlight on top

 

ok, first burrow is completed, that was quick

 

Quick question cosmo, you are going to put in sexy shrimp with the mantis? It won't eat them? I know you mentioned the symbiotic with the sexy shrimp and maxi mini which is so cool and I didn't know about it before you mentioned it....your tank looks so awesome - I love the black sand.

 

thx bro, yeah, thats a major concern, before I add the very pricey sexy shrimp, gonna watch the mantis and see where he goes, I'm hoping that he stays low and the shrimp would stay high up and not get eaten. I was at the LFS for a bit today, and they had sexy shrimp with anemones and the shrimp seem to stay pretty close. But thats a pricey meal to feed the mantis, so I may back off that plan. Gotta see what happens.

edit, bbut to answer your question, kinda guessing that eventaullly yes he will

 

My mantis goes all over the 'fuge he is in. He has even "swam" up the baffles into the return section and back a couple times. I personally wouldn't risk it. And if that is a N. Wennerae, they only grow to about 3". Tough to tell the species from the picture.

 

Congrats on the Mantis! I personally wouldn't risk the Sexy Shrimp, though

 

yeah prob won't either, thats an expensive snack

 

Thanks Ryan. It was nice to meet ya as well. Hope you enjoy the shrimp.

 

I am so far, he's def a punk, but he's got a nice lair built and is getting used to me, trying not to overfeed, but trying to get him used to me. Fun little critter.


How are the horses?

 

Nice How long did it take to cycle