Mantis Shrimp (2 Viewers)

[Guest]

I got my live rock from TBS about a week ago. I am watching my cycle real close and it seems to be going well. Not much if any ammonia.

My problem is that I have several mantis shrimps in my rock. I put two water bottles, inverted tops, in the tank with a store bought shrimp last night. All I caught was snails and crabs.

I don't want to leave dead shrimp in my tank very long. Any suggestions!

 

[HolyBanana]

find out which rocks they are living in and take the rock out and leave it out for 20 minutes. The mantis will come out.

 

[Guest]

I thought about taking the rock out but they weight over 50 lbs each. My tank is 170 gallons.

TBS really sent some large rock to start my tank out. It is beautiful but now I need those Mantis out of my tank!!!

 

[Guest]

if you get them out of the tank i will take them. i have a tank that they will go perfectly in.

 

[Guest]

I will be happy to give them to you. If you want to come catch them you are welcome.

 

[HolyBanana]

Also beware, those things can likely split your finger open or crack your tank if you tick them off.

 

[Guest]

I have tired the water bottle trick. I guess my mantis are too smart. Any other ideals?

 

[Guest]

Seems the only thing I have heard is to
1. take rocks out get them that way
2. Use a net with a red flashlight at night (very hard)


Keep trying.

Did you request for large rocks?
I had thought about ordering from them, and have heard that mantis are a problem with them.
Are the mantis colorful?

 

[Guest]

if you can get the rocks out, you can pour some fresh water in them and the mantis will come BOLTING out. Or you can also use soda water, but it might kill them.

 

[Guest]

The rocks are very large and my tank is 30 inches deep. Not a easy thing to do to take the rocks out. They weigh over 50 lbs each and I did not ask for big rocks but with a 170 gallon tank they really are about the right size for the tank. I will try to think of some other way to get them out!

 

[HolyBanana]

Ive ordered from them three times and Ive only had one mantis. He got eaten by a crab hehe.

 

[Guest]

Can I buy your crab? That is what I need a mantis eater!!!

 

[ShaneV]

If you need some help trying to get the rocks out let me know, I can come over and help out.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Shane, If I have to take the rocks out I will wait until I get my second half of my order and do it all at once. I will let you know when the cycle is finished and we will see if we can organize a good time for both of us!

 

[Guest]

When you did the water bottle trick did you do it right out side his hole, cause they don't like to go to far from his hole. Also might want to try krill.

That is just what I have heard form the Mantis board on RC. Might want to sell him one you have him.

 

[Guest]

I did put the bottle in close proximity to the hole but no luck. I will try to get closer next time. Because the tank is only a week old maybe they are not ready to venture out. Maybe they are just not hungry enough. Do you get krill from the LFS?

 

[Guest]

No Idea, like said they was just what RC says.
Also the hole you think its in, does it show some sand around it, from the mantis going in and out?
Might to see if you see any of these on your rock.

I don't know what looks like, so can't say I have gone with this yet.

You like the TBS rock? I was thinking of getting me some, reason I ask, that is when I get to that point.

 

[Guest]

There is a lot of sand at the bottom of the rock. I have seen him run from one hole to another. I think I have 3 or 4 running around.

I think the TBS rock is beautiful and full of life. I will try and get a picture on MarshReef real soon.

One thread I read said they like Brine Shrimp. I think I will wait another week and make sure they are getting hungry!

 

[sultros]

This is a bit off topic but keep an eye out for blood sucking cirolanids. They are quite common from TBS live rock

I had a battle with a mantis and was unable to get the bottle trick to work. I got lucky due to the fact that my former menace had a small piece of figi it liked to perch in. I waited till it went in the rock and yanked it. Fresh water squirted with a turkey baster did the trick.

Good luck and be patient.

 

[Guest]

sultros.
I am really new to this hobby. What in the h... is cirolanids?