Mantis Shrimp: what do I have to do?

[BenjiZane12]

Hello everyone! I am looking to take care of a mantis shrimp! I know a lot about them, but I wanted to hear from experienced keepers on what they have set up for theirs, as well as the price it costs to setup/maintain the tank. I'm looking to get a smasher type shrimp. Let me know what you guys do for your Mantis'!

[Sniperhank]

The key from all I've ever heard is the 'U' pipe under the sand bed and rock work for the mantis to live. That aside, they can be really easy as long as parameters are kept in check and the corpse of their meals isn't left laying around to rot...

[BenjiZane12]

Based on the setup you would need for it, (acrylic tank, standard filter and lighting) how much would it cost to put up a basic set up for mantis?

[Sniperhank]

A couple hundred bucks. I'd want a tank with a skimmer to help clean up the water quality. You'd need a small powerhead for CO2 exchange. Lighting should be low intensity as they don't like bright lights. It all really depends on your area and deals available.

[Reygan2]

Or...my lfs owner has had one in a glass 3 gallon cube with a simple LED clip on light for a couple of years, with nothing but a large piece of lr in the center. The rock has lots of tunnels in it though. Very cool, low maintenance. Ghenghis seems happy. He is quite the celebrity in the area.

[PB_Smith]

keeping a mantis shrimp in a glass tank could be risky, they pack a pretty good punch.