Simple Mantis Tank?

Hey everybody, I'm pretty new to these forums, just wanted to get some help on my mantis setup.

I am going to buy a 10g tank before the end of next week for a N. Wennerae I'm ordering from tbsaltwater.

I'll be getting Aragonite as the base, and some live rock from my LFS

I've done tons of reading and have come up with the following that I need:

1) Titanium heater to avoid electrocution from hitting it
2) Filter that hangs over the back of the tank
3) Some PVC pipe to go under the live rock for a burrow.
4) Refractometer to test the water, along with salt mix.
5) Saltwater testing kit to test for nitrates, ammonia, etc.
6) Low powered LED hood lamp for lighting
7) Some sort of clip-on desktop fan for cooling the water off in this Texas heat

I'm not quite sure if I'm missing anything here, and I don't plan on buying corals or anything else to put in there at the moment. I know to let the whole thing cycle for a week or so, depending on how long it takes for the tank to stabilize.

Any help is appreciated!

 

CASH! Lots of it and when it runs out plastic will usually suffice for a little while

 

Hahaha I hear ya man, I've got plenty of that and time I should be good to go ;D

 

hmm if you have plenty do you want to share??;D;D
Yea I did forget to mention time, at least for initial setup.

 

Sure let me just rip my mattress open

But all of this would work for a mantis? Since i'm going to be using such a small tank I shouldn't have a need for a sump, and I could just use a bucket or a 5g for an ATO right?

 

I have never kept mantis but from what I understand they are pretty complex with their needs. Depending on the species some get larger and need a larger tank, I believe the peacock mantis reached 12inches!. You want low light to prevent shellrot and a small protein skimmer ro help with water quality. Setup should include a medium grained sand to allow them to burrow a lot of liverock rubble of various sizes which they will use to create tunnels and redo whatever aquascape you set up. Also the basic test kits for ph kh nitrate calcium etc are needed to make sure your water is where you need it. Many swear you need an RODI unit for pure water, I use tap but many frown upon it.

 

everything sounds pretty good, a few minor changes though. once the tank is established you really shouldnt have any trouble with a Wennerae, awesome little creatures and they are incredibly hardy! i wouldn't even worry about a titanium heater, if possible, you can put the heater in the HOB filter. in my current mantis tank i have a glass heater, cheap and small, sitting in the tank and Davy hasn't given it a 2nd thought(although this is still risky, and i am moving the heater to the HOB filter asap)and 2nd, scratch the pvc, youre Wennerae will burrow into the liverock in all likelihood (both of mine have without a hitch). keep a fresh supply of snails/hermits and youre good to go!always glad to see another mantis owner out there.

 

Thanks for the info! Can't wait to get this all set up, I'll start posting pics as I get things and go along.

Before I run out and buy everything, are there brands of filters and heaters I should avoid? I've looked up reviews and i'm finding mixed results but it's mostly with fish only tanks.

Also: Just found a new LFS that might be able to order me a small G. Smithii, and after calling every store in the DFW area they're the only ones who will order any mantis period. Here's hoping they can get one!

 

Ok so here's what i got, all that's left is the light, refractometer, and live rock.

Tank stuff - Imgur

I'm wondering if the lighted hood that petco has for these would work ok or if i should go with something low powered that will clip on the back and just leave the top open.

 

lighting is the least worry for mantis. As you know mantis do not require much light and will actually develop rot if they have too much light. Especially if no corals then get what you like. I personally like to have open top tanks when possible to help with gas exchange but i have had hooded tanks also.

As far as the heater, I wouldnt worry too much about it esp in summer. You will find that you are going to have a problem with the tank over heating than being too cold. If you do find the tank is too cool, you can always add it.

Skimmer you can do without as long as you keep up with the waterchanges. Keep an eye out to be sure that the mantis doesnt bury his food. Occasionally a mantis will kill/eat part of their food and hid the rest under the sand or in his den for later. But even in a 10g if you have live rock and filter should be fine with just water changes

With the type you are looking at, pvc can be used, but might not go to it. My peacock used her pvc at first but then did prefer to rearrange the rocks and make her own den. She typically only went into PVC when she was molting and then she would bunker down in there