Mantis shrimp nano tank?

Perpetual Novice · Jul 14, 2019

Hi all

ive decided to get a peacock mantis shrimp and give it its own tank. I found an old oceanic 8 gallon bio cube on Craigslist for 35$ and was thinking of using that. It fits perfectly on my nightstand. I also have a 20 gallon setup that I took down a few months ago when I upgraded. But it is a budget 20 gal setup and not exactly quiet or pretty. I think 8 gallons could be big enough for a mantis shrimp if I provide it with lots of burrowing spaces and a deep sand bed. What do you think?

ndrwater · Jul 14, 2019

Peacock Mantis can get pretty sizable. Not sure long term an 8 gallon would make for a happy Mantis.
I may be wrong in this, but I suggest asking an experienced Mantis keeper

flyline · Jul 14, 2019

I think I have read a 40 long is what they need

Sierra_Bravo · Jul 14, 2019

If you want one for a nano, go with a G. smithii, the purple-spot mantis. I have mine in a Waterbox 10 cube and he's doing great.

Perpetual Novice · Jul 14, 2019

Sierra_Bravo said:
If you want one for a nano, go with a G. smithii, the purple-spot mantis. I have mine in a Waterbox 10 cube and he's doing great.

Wow. That looks amazing!

Perpetual Novice · Jul 15, 2019

ndrwater said:
Peacock Mantis can get pretty sizable. Not sure long term an 8 gallon would make for a happy Mantis.
I may be wrong in this, but I suggest asking an experienced Mantis keeper

flyline said:
I think I have read a 40 long is what they need

Ok so I have revised my plans. I’m now thinking of using a fluval flex 15 gallon. I know they’re meant for freshwater but the idea isn’t to grow corals. Just to offer enough filtration for the shrimp. Do you think that might work?

RyanSweet · Jul 15, 2019

I have my odont in a 40 breeder and sometimes think that’s too small as she’s (guessing it’s a she because of the muted colors, but never had her sexed) gotten pretty big over the past couple years. I absolutely love her personality, though she can get a little aggressive at feeding time. She isn’t shy at all and comes up to the glass whenever I go near and will follow me and tap the glass when I don’t pay attention. Not sure that a 15gal would be enough as she is really active, and appx 5-6 inches long.

Sierra_Bravo · Jul 15, 2019

Roy Caldwell is recognized as a leading expert on mantis shrimp including keeping in aquaria. His recommendation for a peacock mantis is 100 gallons and I'm pretty confident he knows a lot more than any of us do. It may be wise to re-evaluate your plan for a peacock and either get a larger tank or go with a smaller species. On the other major forum his user name is "Gonodactylus" and there is tons of info.

I'd take the time to research around on his site: https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthropoda/crustacea/malacostraca/eumalacostraca/royslist/

We have a very knowledgeable member here as well. You may want to reach out: @ritter6788

MTBake · Jul 15, 2019

I have a wennerae in a 20 long. It was in a 10 gallon but didn't seem too thrilled. I'm thinking of upgrading my display tank. The mantis will get the 40 breeder if I do.

I agree with Sierra Bravo. You'll need a larger tank for a peacock. Or a different species.