Waiting time

[Mr31415]

I have just set up my new 47g tank for my mantis shrimp, which is currently in my QT tank. I have a small Tunze skimmer, overflow, DSB. From the time I have properly mixed salt water in there and all parameters are stable, how long do I have to wait to introduce the mantis shrimp?

[justinl]

once the tank is cycled (with LR), you can add almost any mantis right away. there are a couple exceptions for the really sensitive mantids like O. havanensis, but most mantids are really resilient. what kind of mantis is it? most will also need a handful of rubble to make a burrow with.

[Mr31415]

Peacock. If I move the three pieces of LR from the QT tank to this tank - can I add them right away? there is nothing to cycle really...

[justinl]

sure, add it all together. should be okay.

one thing though: a large peacock can break a glass tank, so if yours is glass, then now would be a good time to cover the bottom pane with strips of acrylic. that way the mantis wont break the glass while digging. you wont get the opportunity later, once the mantis is in.