15 Gallon Mantis Shrimp Tank

[Baby Ray]

I have had this spare 15 gallon tank for awhile and with all this free time I've decided that I might finally want to get a Mantis shrimp to put in it. So far, I think the best one for me would be the Smithii mantis shrimp because they don't get too big and I've heard they have a lot of personality but I don't really know anything about mantis shrimp
What kind of filtration should I get? Over hang or should I do a sump?
What kind of lighting?
Can/should I keep corals?
What kind of substrate?

Thank you for any help!

 

[Baby Ray]

Oh, also, would you veteran mantis shrimp owners recommend keeping a stash of live crabs/shrimp in a sump? if so, how exactly would you do that?

 

[Baby Ray]

bump

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have had this spare 15 gallon tank for awhile and with all this free time I've decided that I might finally want to get a Mantis shrimp to put in it. So far, I think the best one for me would be the Smithii mantis shrimp because they don't get too big and I've heard they have a lot of personality but I don't really know anything about mantis shrimp
What kind of filtration should I get? Over hang or should I do a sump?
What kind of lighting?
Can/should I keep corals?
What kind of substrate?

Thank you for any help!

Mantis needs basic lighting, rock structure with cave(s), fine sand for bedding and I would not advise anything in or with a shell, nor coral other than zoa.

 

[Baby Ray]

Mantis needs basic lighting, rock structure with cave(s), fine sand for bedding and I would not advise anything in or with a shell, nor coral other than zoa.

Thank you! Would you say that HOB filters would be sufficient or do they need a skimmer? I get the sense that mantis shrimp would be messy eaters and would need a skimmer.

 

[Baby Ray]

Bump!

 

[Dixon25]

Very messy eaters but you do not need a skimmer. For a 15g, make sure you get a species compatible to that size. I have a Purple Spot in a 10g for almost two years now with no issues. Plenty of research available here: https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthropoda/crustacea/malacostraca/eumalacostraca/royslist/index.html

 

[Baby Ray]

Very messy eaters but you do not need a skimmer. For a 15g, make sure you get a species compatible to that size. I have a Purple Spot in a 10g for almost two years now with no issues. Plenty of research available here: https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthropoda/crustacea/malacostraca/eumalacostraca/royslist/index.html

Thank you!

 

[Baby Ray]

I see that wennerae mantis shrimp are native to Florida? Do you think I mangrove would be compatible in a mantis shrimp tank or would you need to have too bright of a light?

 

[Dixon25]

I see that wennerae mantis shrimp are native to Florida? Do you think I mangrove would be compatible in a mantis shrimp tank or would you need to have too bright of a light?

Certainly. Mine has three.

 

[Baby Ray]

Certainly. Mine has three.

Thank you!