Mantis shrimp nano tank?

[Perpetual Novice]

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]

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]

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

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

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]

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]

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

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Hadla]

Yeah definitely go with a smaller species like smithii or wennerae! Peacocks can get to 8 inches long and as big around as like a hot dog

 

[reefkyle]

The bad part is finding where to get one. It’s almost impossible