Mantis Shrimp setup questions

Hey Everybody

Looking to setup a smaller tank(just what the girlfriend wanted to hear) for a mantis shrimp. Most likely in the hallway to my stepdaughter's room. So far I was thinking a 20 long for the tank with maybe some small t5s or PC lights.

Might also plan to keep some zoas in there as well.

Probably will not have room for a sump so what am I going to need as far as filtration? Protein skimmer I'm assuming as I think there could be a mess in there. Live or base rock ratios still apply?

Where's a good place to find the multicolored peacock ones? Any stores in the sac area keep them?

Thanks.

Feel free to point out anything I've forgotten.

 

Occasionally you'll see mantis pop up on craigs list from people who got them as hitchhikers. Might also point out that a 10G will be fine. Saltwaterfish has them, and you see them come up for trade or offer on 3reef. I think a skimmer a couple powerheads and a good amount of live rock will keep things running fine.

 

have you looked into biocubes or aquapods? Some of them are small and come with all the filtration you need.

 

A 10 gal is not large enough for a peacock mantis.

It is hit or miss whether a LFS will stock them or not. Best thing you can do is ask if they can order them. Believe it or not the petco near my house said they can order me one if I want it.

stomatopod.com always has peacock mantises for sale.

EDIT: Also a 20gal is usually considered too small for a peacock. Recommended is 30gal. You are also going to want to get an acrylic tank for him.

Some cool mantises you can keep in a 20 long would be an O. Havanensis or other small Odontodactylus species. They are hard to find though. Sometimes from collectors out of the keys.

 

Do you guys think I need a protein skimmer on this tank?

 

I would recommend it especially if you are going to keep a peacock. They don't do well with low oxygen and you were right about them being messy eaters.

 

don't add iodine.... maybe you already know this but I made the mistake of doing this and now my baby is going through a rough molt, b/c the iodine made her molt early, I hope she makes it!

 

any opinions on the protein skimmer. Kinda looking at a Octopus BH 1000 for a hang on back. Seems reasonable. Also what type of lights? PC? Good mount to suspend over tank?

 

For my mantis tank I just use a clamp on light from home depot with a 5,600K bulb.

 

will the tank need to cycle as a normal reef tank would cycle before adding the lil guy?