Can you use these type of containers for mantids?
- Thread starter Lalaland
- Start date
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@Lalaland It is a common enough habitat as all pet stores seem to carry them; however, the openings are much too large and lead to gripping problems, broken limbs, and other issues for mantids. The easy fix is to hot glue fiberglass screen mesh (window screen mesh) onto the entire lid area. Then simply cut along the feeder flap opening, to use the lid.
For decor the most common is to place in some sticks for perches (hot glue as needed). For the bottom you clean go for the "clean look" and use paper towel and change as needed. Personally I just use about 1/2" layer of sphagnum peat moss, and add in some springtails to keep the tank clean.
Hopefully both mantids arrive safe and sound
For decor the most common is to place in some sticks for perches (hot glue as needed). For the bottom you clean go for the "clean look" and use paper towel and change as needed. Personally I just use about 1/2" layer of sphagnum peat moss, and add in some springtails to keep the tank clean.
Hopefully both mantids arrive safe and sound
Coconut fiber is great, as it is naturally resistant to mold and bacterial growth, and can absorb excess moisture and releases it slowly. Some claim it also breaks down waste matter and odors too, not sure about that but it does seem to have a non-offensive scent.
I myself started off with coconut fiber, plantation soil, and the related. Then my pet store was sold out so I found the alternative, sphagnum peat moss. It has the same basic properties, but can be purchased in a large bale for $10 locally, and is the same cost of a coconut fiber 3-brick pack (but sphagnum is like 20 times the amount of material for the same money). The bale has lasted me over a year and I've used maybe 25% so far, and that is with tons of habitats and cleanings.
Here is the 3 cu. foot bale I use, it is labelled 100% organic and I got it from my local Lowes. I haven't had any problems with it housing mantids, many various arachnids, crickets, and various other things either. Like coconut fiber it is packed dry, and water needs to be added then it expands some and is ready for use.
That is the one con I have found with sphagnum is it takes some mixing by hand in a bucket with water for it to absorb water, coconut fiber does it quicker/easier (but once wet I haven't found any con compared to coconut). Although, that is a pro for the material in the habitat, as it doesn't become so saturated that mold is as prevalent for new keepers who over water/mist their mantids which coconut can (especially with limited airflow).
Paper towel is what some keepers use and prefer, but to be honest I've tried it for a couple weeks on a trial run for the experience, and went back to my sphagnum peat moss. I found it to look awful (even when replaced as it is just starch white paper towel...), had very little water absorbing/releasing properties, rules out cleaning crews (springtails and isopods), and requires much more time with maintenance/upkeep/changing.
In the end try out the substrates you think will fit your needs, or try them all, and choose which you prefer - as it seems everyone thinks the other is a clear winner compared to the rest.
You can use coffee filters but there are a few problems with them. The first is your mantid will feel more isolated as they will not be able to see more than shadows, you will not see them easily either, and it will drastically cut airflow (which besides fresh air, it will allow the humidity level to build much easier).
If you want to use coffee filters due to feeding smaller nymphs fruit flies, the best option I found is organza fabric - often found for only $3-$4. It keeps all fruit flies in (I even use it on my FF deli cups), is grip-able material for nymphs and adults, and allows good air flow. It is found at nearly all store fabric departments, craft stores, and such. If you are having trouble finding it, simply look for the smaller 4" spool/roll material for ribbons and such as it is the same material (just a really fine mesh).
Zeppy44
Well-known member
TY both. I learned a lot from this discussion. Gonna give the sphagnum a try, not liking the paper towels.
Great, glad to hear you found it useful as well.
Depending on the stores in your area, I forgot to mention some also offer the sphagnum loose in bulk or small bagged amounts. That way if it isn't for you your only out a couple of dollars.Zeppy44
Well-known member
Was wondering about a bale that big. LOL my room is starting to get busy and am still planning on building a 14 ft canoe in here this winter.
Great, glad to hear you found it useful as well.
i figured I should say something just in case.Was wondering about a bale that big. LOL my room is starting to get busy and am still planning on building a 14 ft canoe in here this winter.
Must be a big room to consider building a canoe that big in, have fun with your project.Zeppy44
Well-known member
Glad you did but would have noticed at store, LOL Room is basic rectangle of 18ft x 11ft with 3ftx4ft added on end. That is where the mantis are kept. Canoe weighs 10 lb or so when done. B) Back not gonna stop me from canoeing!i figured I should say something just in case.
