- Joined
- Dec 23, 2019
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Hey! I picked up a 4" Peacock Mantis a few weeks ago, and she (I think it's a she?) currently resides in a 20 long. I wasn't necessarily planning on getting her, but I jumped at the chance - I've tried ordering peacocks several times, and always ended up with different species of mantises or, on one occasion, a coldwater pistol shrimp. Hence the small tank, and the imminent upgrade.
I've tried to write this several times and it keeps on getting convoluted - so here's a list of questions:
I've tried to write this several times and it keeps on getting convoluted - so here's a list of questions:
- I'll be using a standard 40 breeder. I'd like to keep some basic soft coral with her (leathers, xenia, GSP, maybe some "invasive" stuff I wouldn't want in my other tanks), as well as some macroalgae such as Gracilaria Hayi, Caulerpa Prolifera, Halimeda, and a few others. All things that can thrive in lower light. Does anyone have a light recommendation? I'm wanting to keep the overall spectrum a bit warmer than usual, preferably around 10000K.
- Would covering the bottom glass with a piece of acrylic be necessary? I've heard of it being done, and I suppose it would offer peace of mind. Does it have to be a certain thickness/type, or would the cheap stuff from lowes work?
- How deep of a sandbed should I use? I've got my usual 1" in the current 20 long, and she moves it around and uncovers the bottom glass constantly. Is that just part of having a mantis, or would having a deeper sandbed help? I don't want a DSB, so I'd say 2" might be a good compromise?
- Any dietary things I should be aware of? From what I've read, I just need to feed meaty items sparingly. So far, it's been a clam on the half shell twice a week, with the occasional piece of krill/a CUC member to supplement. Is this enough? Too much? Nitrates are creeping up above 20 fairly regularly, so water changes have been a pain. Guess that could mean I'm feeding too much, but I don't want to starve her!
- How big of a burrow should she have? Currently she has a 3" PVC fitting, and I'm planning on doing a piece of 3" pipe in the 40 gallon. Is 3" big enough in diameter? Should I do multiple burrows? Should I provide a burrow for her at all?
- She hasn't molted since I've had her (3 weeks), although she did molt in the store when they first got her in. Most inverts I've owned have molted shortly after I've gotten them, so I expected the same from this one. Is this normal?