Ordered a new mantis tank today!

[seahorsedreams]

When we move here in a week we want to consolidate some of our tanks where we can. So, we decided to get a 40 gallon long split tank built for our two mantis'. We have a 4-5" Peacock and a 3-4" Chiragra.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/seahorsedreams/fixed%20org%20pics/tank4.jpg

*looking down from the top*

They are going to install a center overflow and then a black divider wall. I can't stand having to break my back looking in a low tank so we are having a custom stand built to raise it up a few inches. They are going to be so MAD when I take them out of their current homes.

[dsfdbutterfly]

You will have to keep us posted on this. I think Mantis are one cool creature. If I lived in a town that had a LFS I would be so tempted to have one. Food demands are too much though for me to travel 90 miles one way to feed it. Oh well, if you keep me happy with pics and stories maybe that will do.

Angie

[seahorsedreams]

What food demands were you refering to?

[dsfdbutterfly]

Snails, crabs and the such that they like to eat. I know that they will eat pellets and other items but it is good to suppliment with live food. I could have it shipped but it would cost me just as much as driving. If I lived anywhere closer to a town that had a LFS so that I could suppliment then I would consider it to keep it healthy. I know that this is not neccessary per say but it's just like trying to get your mandarin fish to eat from a feeder and not just pods.

Angie

[seahorsedreams]

Ah, mine just gets a crab or snail once a week. The rest of the time I feed him whatever the Lionfishes are eating that night and poke it in an empty shell for him to whack open. They can live very well on frozen but just need to be enticed to crack open shells to work their hammers.

[graphixx]

aaahhhhh that is a GREAT idea!!!!!! I have allways had reservations on getting one. hhhmmmmm might have to rethink that now. I love the peacock!!!! They are such an interesting critter. Very very smart and cunning hunters!!!!

[seahorsedreams]

I swear I spend the most time in front of his tank than any of the others. Well, the peacock anyway... the Chiragra is just starting to get brave. But the Peacock will always take home the prize.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/seahorsedreams/Mantis%20Shrimp/newmantis15.jpg

[dsfdbutterfly]

OMG!! What an awesome rep for his kind. I love the pic. Thank you for that. Course it is just making me want one even more. I do like your feeding idea. Please do continue with the pics and updates on all things mantis.

Angie

[seahorsedreams]

We also have a G. viridis. The yellow arrow is pointing to him. The other to a frozen mysis. He is tiny but he killed two fish at the LFS already.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/seahorsedreams/Mantis%20Shrimp/mantissmall2copy.jpg

[seahorsedreams]

He has a very pretty booty.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/seahorsedreams/Mantis%20Shrimp/newmantis9.jpg