What to do with my N. curacaoensis

phurst · #1 01/01/2008, 01:18 AM

So, I have a Neogonodactylus curacaoensis in a 12 gallon nano on my desk at work. I really am quite fond of the mantis, but my plans have changed for this tank. I have recently drilled it and added a 15 gallon sump/fuge with a DSB, LR, skimmer, a pair of phosban reactors, etc, and I have just acquired a 150w HQI fixture to light it. I'm planing on going SPS in this tank, with the MH lights and more flow in the display. I understand these are maybe not the best conditions for my mantis. I have heard that the strong MH lighting may cause shell disease, although this seems to be somthing of an unusual mantis, and I have been able to find out very little about it's natural habitat.

The mantis is very personable, and makes regular apperances, and I'd really like to keep him, but I also want what's best for the little guy. As far as I see it, I can keep him in the DT (only with the consent of someone or several people who know what they're talking about), I can move him to the fuge, which is under regular NO lighting, and out in the open, but still not as visible, or I can sell him. I'd really like to keep him, but I'm not sure he will get the attention he needs in the sump, and I wouldn't get to see him very often. I will not keep him in the DT if it's going to be unhealthy for him. If I were to sell him, I wouldn't know where to offer him up, how much to ask, or how to ship.

I'd welcome any advice on the matter, especially advice telling me how I can keep him

.

Thanks a bunch!

phurst · #2 01/01/2008, 01:20 AM

Oh, here's a pic....

Pea-brain · #3 01/01/2008, 02:37 AM

From Roy's list

Depth: 3–50 m

Anything above 5 meters should have NO problem with MH lighting. Also, shell disease is almost unheard of in smaller species such as N. curacoensis. The bigger problem might be that is a colony os SPS gets too big it might look like prime burrowing real estate, though it isn't too likely.....

Dan

phurst · #4 01/02/2008, 11:38 AM

Thanks for the info. Anyone want to agree/disagree?

It will be a 150w XM 20K bulb.

DanInSD · #5 01/02/2008, 01:47 PM

As long as there is adequate rockwork in the tank, the guy will be able to "get out of the sun" if it wants to. If you are really concerned you could always insert a piece of PVC between the rocks somewhere (say, a piece of black flex tubing) to act as a "mantis cave".

Dan

Gonodactylus · #6 01/02/2008, 02:00 PM

The flow is not a problem. These animals can easily handle a fairly strong current as long as the sand isn't blowing around. Lighting is another matter. N. c. is usually found below 5-10 m and as such is exposed to moderate, bluish light. I have had some problem with them "fading" in very bright light, but I can't say for sure that the problem is all lighting or other factors such as died. In general, I have had a difficult time keeping N. c longer than a few months, so I have always considered them a "finicky" species. The one exception has be a few animals living in live rock, so perhaps you will have better luck - but a small diameter entrance to a dark cavity will be important.

Roy

oct2274 · #7 01/02/2008, 02:11 PM

20k XM 150DE is a very poor output bulb. i see no issues at all keeping the mantis in there.

phurst · #8 01/02/2008, 02:20 PM

Thanks for the input.

He's been happily going about his business for about 3 months now. So, I will go ahead with the planned lighting upgrade.

Thanks again all!

oct2274 · #9 01/02/2008, 02:43 PM

20k XM 150DE is a very poor output bulb. i see no issues at all keeping the mantis in there.