Mantis shattering glass?

[pyro]

I was wondering if a small mantis shrimp would be a hazard in a 5g glass tank. After it outgrows it I'll have a larger acrylic tank available. Any special care requirements or reference/reading materials anybody suggests?
Thanks.

 

[celacanthr]

what type of mantis?
Most smashing mantis can't/won't break a glass tank, so you should be fine.

 

[whitey_028]

I disagree i had one break through a holder that was aqrylic and the glass is lass strong than the aqrylic holder...If the tank is larger than a 20 gallon the glass is a little thicker and less likely to break but in a 5 gallon glass chances are it can break it.

 

[pyro]

I'd imagine it has to do more with the fact the acrylic will bend/scratch which would lessen the chance of it shattering. The 5g is a basically a brand new perfecto - dunno why but it was sitting in my basement. I think I'll give it a go - it'll probably end up in my dorm next year. Will it eat shrooms/polyps? Hermits?
Any reading anybody can suggest other than just internet surfing? Thanks.

 

[celacanthr]

Originally Posted by Pyro
I'd imagine it has to do more with the fact the acrylic will bend/scratch which would lessen the chance of it shattering. The 5g is a basically a brand new perfecto - dunno why but it was sitting in my basement. I think I'll give it a go - it'll probably end up in my dorm next year. Will it eat shrooms/polyps? Hermits?
Any reading anybody can suggest other than just internet surfing? Thanks.
No, it won't eat corals, but yes hermits, if it is a smasher type mantis.
Like I said most won't break glass.

 

[tank watch]

I have one in a 6 gal acrylic eclipse tank. he has smacked the tank a few times but no cracks. he is about 6 inches long, full grown I believe. they will eat most anything, small fish, snail, hermits, grass shrimp, goldfish(feeder fish), pellets, flakes, bloodworms,etc. I like to give mine a variety whenever possible. some folks say give them snails and hermits so they can use their clubs. mine will even smack pellets to break them up. they need a deep sand bed and a place to hide. PVC pipe works good. Mine beat the crap out of the pipe trying to make it larger, so I changed it to a larger size.
I think they can crack the thin glass tanks.

 

[pyro]

Hrm... that worries me. The one at the store looks just like yours but about 2" long. Any way to keep the sand from becomming a nitrate fest? Why do they need a DSB?
Just curious, not trying to gun you down or anything =). Thanks

 

[whitey_028]

They will make a burrow in the sand...and with a 6 inch body they may need a deeper sandbed...