Setting up 20g long Peacock Mantis tank

[raynist]

Should I use a skimmer? I have an extra Remora, but if I don't need it, I can sell it for some extra $$.

Are mantis shrimp very sensitive to nitrates?

If I don't use a skimmer I will use a small canister filter.

Thanks
Ray

[Gonodactylus]

Depending of the size of the O. scyllarus, 20 gal could be a bit small. It will certainly hold a 3-4 inch animal for a year or so, but I would not recommend it for an animal 5 inches plus.

O.s are sensitive to nitrate. While I can't prove it, I think they may play a role in the fomation of shell disease which is common in O.s.

Skimming helps, but general what is really important, particularly in a small tank, is the removal of uneaten bits of food, molt skins, etc. These will elevate your nitrogen and phosphate levels and given that O.s like to bury such items, in large quantity can be lethal.

Roy

[raynist]

Thanks.

Maybe I will just keep him in my sump then. That is where he is now. I have a 75g sump and the portion that he is in is about 26x18 inches. There is live rock in there, but no sand. The sump is for my 180g tank. The water should be very stable here, problem is that I will not get to view him as easily.

--Ray

[raynist]

Would a 29 gallon be better?

[Spaceman Spiff]

From what I've read on our site, a 29 is perfect for a Peacock Mantis.

[thor32766]

yeah 29 shouldnt be bad

[JmLee]

my 4inch O.S is in a TruVu 29 gallon.

[rwhhunt]

I keep my 6 inch peacock in a 26 gal bowfront, it seems to do really well