Mini vivarium?

[Boosh96]

Okay, so I'm starting to think about building a little vivarium for two ghost mantises. The only other viv I've ever built is the one I made for my late dart frogs, and that was with a kit. Can anyone give me some tips and tricks on plants, lighting, water, etc.?

 

[JTHMfreak]

Would love to see the finished product

 

[Boosh96]

Can a pair of ghost mantises live comfortably in a 1-gallon container? I'm thinking I'll make a little viv out of a gallon candy jar or something.

 

[Boosh96]

I already set up their new home! I got a pretty decent-sized glass container and I added a fern and sticks. It's pretty simple but it looks good and I'm sure the mantises will do well in there. I'll post some pictures shortly.

 

[JTHMfreak]

Yeah, ghosts are very communal, but a gallon container may be too big. The ghosts do not actively hunt their prey, they just hang out and wait for the prey to walk by, so if you use a big container make sure you give them something that will easily cross their path. A lot of my ghosts died from being in a larger container

 

[Boosh96]

I'm honestly not sure if it's even a gallon. It should be fine-the container has enough space, just not a ton.

 

[gripen]

I'm honestly not sure if it's even a gallon. It should be fine-the container has enough space, just not a ton.

Sounds pretty good to me.

 

[Boosh96]

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/prqlge5z5daqdp3/Hm-c_dt1Rf#/

Here's a link to the pictures. I had a hard time uploading them for some reason.

The jar thingy is 11" tall and 4.5" wide.

 

[JTHMfreak]

Live plants?

 

[Boosh96]

Yup.

 

[JTHMfreak]

I have thought about incorporating a live plant into my containers, let us know if you run into any problems

 

[Krissim Klaw]

It looks like it would be pretty cramped for two adult ghosts, unless you are using it for younger ghost nymphs. What is the lid like? I would also worry about airflow. Since things look rather wet in your photos, how quickly does the water evaporate after misting?

 

[Boosh96]

Honestly I moved them back into their shipping containers, which are seriously big enough for them to live in for a few more molts or so. I've got dirt and little twigs in there and stuff. I'm gonna have to rethink the vivarium.

 

[nirotorin]

Looks like it would definitely need more ventilation. Aside from that awesome. I plan on making some mantis vivs myself in the near future.

Oh, and I would also recommend a cleanup crew. Like maybe some isopods. Just to eat all the mold, and fungus, and such.