Peacock mantis advice

First off, hi! I've spent some time lurking these forums, along with others, but I've finally decided to make some accounts.

I'm very new to this hobby, but I have ton a ton of research on mantis shrimp specifically. I have a 90 gallon aquarium that I'll be using to keep a peacock mantis. I'll likely try to add some other life into the aquarium eventually since it's such a large aquarium for just one peacock.

My question is regarding pvc piping that people use for tunnels. Since I have so much space to work with, I am wondering if I should set up a large tunnel system with multiple exits? Or perhaps a few different "U" shaped tunnels and the mantis will choose whichever it prefers? I know when they molt they seal off their dens in an attempt to protect themselves, so that is why I wasn't sure if multiple entrances would stress the mantis out.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

Welcome to 3reef, i would say go with the couple of U's he'll pick which on he wants, and later on he'll probably make some other tunnel if he wants.

 

Thanks, that is what I was thinking. Do you know if standard pvc pipe from Home Depot/Lowe's will work? I don't want anything that may jeopordize the tank..

 

that is what i used, just plain old pvc pipe from home depot. I actually used a y pvc pipe

The only thing with the u pipes is you are going to have to have rather large pipe or else he might not be able to straighten in the den. Bob was close to 12 inches when she passed so her tube was fairly large diameter. Plus i think they like the idea of having one opening away from your view. That is why I chose the y.........i had the 1 opening facing toward the front of the tank where i can see, and the 2 openings in the back so she could get away from me if she wanted. I found once she got settled in, she was always in the front of the tank. Plus peacocks swim and interact more than other mantis so you will see it alot

You also dont want to have too many tubes as 1. you will find that they will redecorate their house numerous times and can make a mess, 2. the inside of the pipes are basically dead spaces where detritus etc loves to collect. Make sure you have a lot of rubble and empty snail shells in the tank so she can smash and move where she wants them

Make sure you NEVER EVER EVER dose iodine. There are multiple theories on this, but basically the experts all agree that dosing iodine is the fastest way to kill a mantis.(and I know of a mantis that was killed this way) While they need iodine to molt, their diet should be more then adequate of a supply. Peacocks are spearers and smashers so you need to not only feed him krill (i used a feeding stick) but things for him to smash such as snails and crabs. I used the feeding stick so they recognized me as the food source, plus it kept the krill from floating away and turning into waste. I fed Bob a couple large turbos every couple months. With the crabs and snails adn krill they will have more then enough iodine.

Also, when they molt it is very stressful on them, and that is when you are at a high risk of loosing the mantis. I always left my lights off on the tank when she was getting ready to molt and during the molt and dont bug them. They will not eat for a few days before the molt, during the molt and for a few days after. Leave the exoskeleton in the tank as they will eat it

What size tank are you going to use and what type of lighting and filtration are you going to use

 

Hey Schackmel, I've seen you post a lot regarding mantis shrimp. I appreciate all the advice from this post and others I've read from you. I have a 90g tank that I'll likely be using since it is what I currently have. I just bought it from a frien recently so I'm still in the process of cleaning it.

I'd like to get a smaller mantis, 1.5-3 inch peacock preferably. As far as filtration, heater, etc. I've done some research but I'm not set in stone. Any advice? I'll likely use some live rock, along with a nice filter, maybe a skimmer?

 

Also, do you feed yours any live food or all dead?

 

ryan, any thought on a different name? LOL

 

Nope

 

Is the tank drilled? If so i would just do a sump. Otherwise you can do a HOB with a skimmer. 90g tank is a little big as i fear you may not see him as much as in a smaller tank. They will spear/smash at the fish in the tank. I did keep some fish with Bob but nothing more expensive as a damsel.

I did feed turbo snails to her couple times a week to couple times month. It is very important to do that so they can keep up their smashers. I never fed her fish, because I didnt want her to associate that as food. I definately would not start out with any fish in the system for a bit. You need to teach her to recognize you as source of food. I got Bob to the point that I kept his food in the tank with him.........large turbo snails. He left them alone most of the time. She left them alone until I would drop them in front of her den, then she would eat them.

you definately want to get a titanium heater, and preferably placed in the sump/overflow area. Avoid the glass and cheaper made heaters

 

No it's not. It has the 3 chambers in the back. I'm not sure how to describe it, or what it's called since I'm still pretty new at this. It was originally used as a wet/dry type setup with bio balls. I'm thinking I should be able to house a heater and I bought one of the biocube protein skimmers which it should also be able to hold. That's also where the pump goes.