Wondering about mantis shrimp tank.

[mantisrob]

O.K. the deal is I want to get a tank for a mantis shrimp because I am extremely fascinated with them. I have been maintaining my fathers 34 gallon red sea max tank for a few months now, so i know most of the saltwater basics.
So I need some advice on what to get for my tank. I am looking to get a 20 gallon long tank because I have heard for mantis shrimp the footprint of the tank is more important than the height.I was wondering what is the maximum size shrimp That i could keep in a 20l, for example could i keep a peacock mantis shrimp in there?
I am looking at a few different filtration systems but there are mixed reviews on all of thedm. First the Aquaclear 30 which has a flow rate of 150gph, second an emperor 280 that has a 280 gph flow, and lastly a cascade filter(dont know what size, possibly a 200/300). I was wondering what you think the best filter would be for this type of tank. I didnt think that flow was as important as filtration in a mantis tank because I dont think I will have much in there besides live rock/sand and possibl some zoos.
heater- I do not think this is a tough desicion because all the heaters do the same thing, raise the temperature. However ifyou do have a heater prefrence please share
Lastly-LIGHTING I do not know how powerful I would need lights to be in my tank but it would have to be somewhat decent if I do decide to put corals in there. Please share what you think proper lighting would be in this tank.
Unfortunatley I am a broke teacher although I do hope to get a job soon, so there is a budget so I wont be able to affor super nice canister filters, or sumps,refugium filters, metal halide or other expensive lights,etc. So any advice to some low cost solution would also be great. I know this was a long article so If you have gotten this far I tahnk you for taking the time to read my post.

 

[dinogeorge]

One good thing! If you plan on keeping a Mantis, you won't be spending much money on new additions to your tank, casue he's gonna kill everything; including your finger when you reach in the tank the first time. whaaa!!

Ok, kidding aside, do you plan on keeping coral or anything else in the tank? If not, you won't need nearly as much equipment as you might think. One mantis in a tank that size is not going to create much of a mess, so you won't need some monster filtration or lighting for him. A few pieces of cured live rock, a heater and some decent lights will get you off to a good start. I would think about a skimmer next, and then a filter after that. Please remember that this is just my opinion. Others will chime in here and give you there advice. I suggest that you wait for everyone to let you know there ideas and then go with what you think its right.
Have fun and good luck keeping all of your fingers.

 

[gillyweed]

Be sure it is an acrylic tank, no need to chance cracked glass.
The lights you need will depend on what corals you hope to keep in there; you'll have to research the corals and pick lights accordingly.

 

[earlybird]

Originally Posted by Gillyweed
Be sure it is an acrylic tank, no need to chance cracked glass.
The lights you need will depend on what corals you hope to keep in there; you'll have to research the corals and pick lights accordingly.

Very important to have an acrylic tank IMO. Supposedly they can crack the glass pretty easily.

 

[donald]

Originally Posted by earlybird
Very important to have an acrylic tank IMO. Supposedly they can crack the glass pretty easily.

 

[mantisrob]

ok thanks for all of the help. I am trying to get m hands on an acrylic tank but so far the easiest solution is glas . For corals I do not think im going to have any muchrooms or hard corals. planning on putting some polyps in there though. Any filter reccomendations?

 

[petjunkie]

What kind of mantis? I've seen a couple tanks set up as a caribbean biotope with rock anemones, zoos, rics, gorgonia etc. Looks very natural and you should be ok with glass, yes some can break a tank but not very common. I wouldn't put a large mantis in there though, maybe 2-3 inches but I'm no mantis expert.

 

[mantisrob]

not sure what kind yet. still diciding to go either spearer or kicker. i might go with i stabber so he cant break the tank . The more i think about how much lighting will cost the less i am willing to frag zoos in there. besides the mantis would move them all over the place >.<