itzjustjeff
Well-known member
So after doing some research, I've decided I want to house something in the Sphodromantis genus. I was hoping to get some feedback into what I want to setup and advice on how to work out the kinks with my setup. First off, I want to have a single communal housing tank (if possible?) I have 32oz solo deli containers for later instars but generally, for the majority of their lives, I would like to keep the mantis in one habitat.
Would this be a good idea? If not, in which instar should I consider separating them? For those of you who did not know I'm a planted fish tank enthusiast...so I was hoping I could use a fish tank I had lying around as a habitat for my mantises. I understand that this can be bad for ventilation which is why I want to see what you guys have to say. The tank that I am mentioning is a Mr. Aqua 11.4 gallon tank. The dimensions are 19x12x12 inches. It looks like this:
I bought Exo-Terra Plantation soil for the substrate, and a small Zoomed Repti-Therm undertank heater along with a heat resistant screen top for a cover. I plan on filling it with small manzanita branches to have mini trees. It would look something like this, maybe with starmoss or something similar
But yea, like I said, would I be able to make a communal habitat out of this genus? I am also concerned about whether the heat pad would provide enough heat to keep nymphs (assuming I am getting them at that stage) healthy and active. My apartment in Northridge is generally pretty cold since it has bad insulation. It has cement walls and thin windows. I have some Ott-lites that I used to use to grow plants too (13w ea), which are 6500k in spectrum I believe, if that helps maintain warmth. I would say my apartment is generally around 70 degrees.
Secondly, If I were to keep mantises in this tank would humidity be a big problem since this tank has now side air flow? I would not wanting to have to constantly battle with mold or foggy views of my tank. I understand that misting is important especially during the first instars of their life; but given the fact that I am usually on campus more than I am at home, I don't want them to be suffering too much. Are sponges or small water dishes safe in this case?
Sorry for the bombardment of questions; I'm just really excited to start something different from my usual fish tanks!
As far as feeding goes...my girlfriend does not share the same enthusiasm. Therefore, I'm wondering if I can get away with just feeding my mantises 1-2 different foods. I know that a variety of foods means healthier mantis, but I'm stepping on thin ice here...I was thinking of starting off with D. Hydei and then, when they're big enough, exclusively crickets and maybe the occasional nutrient rich silkworm?! If not, what else can I feed them besides crickets -- speaking of which, is there a site/store that has a healthy and steady supply of crickets or (other?)
Two more weeks of finals before everything begins!...I should get back to studying.
Would this be a good idea? If not, in which instar should I consider separating them? For those of you who did not know I'm a planted fish tank enthusiast...so I was hoping I could use a fish tank I had lying around as a habitat for my mantises. I understand that this can be bad for ventilation which is why I want to see what you guys have to say. The tank that I am mentioning is a Mr. Aqua 11.4 gallon tank. The dimensions are 19x12x12 inches. It looks like this:
I bought Exo-Terra Plantation soil for the substrate, and a small Zoomed Repti-Therm undertank heater along with a heat resistant screen top for a cover. I plan on filling it with small manzanita branches to have mini trees. It would look something like this, maybe with starmoss or something similar
But yea, like I said, would I be able to make a communal habitat out of this genus? I am also concerned about whether the heat pad would provide enough heat to keep nymphs (assuming I am getting them at that stage) healthy and active. My apartment in Northridge is generally pretty cold since it has bad insulation. It has cement walls and thin windows. I have some Ott-lites that I used to use to grow plants too (13w ea), which are 6500k in spectrum I believe, if that helps maintain warmth. I would say my apartment is generally around 70 degrees.
Secondly, If I were to keep mantises in this tank would humidity be a big problem since this tank has now side air flow? I would not wanting to have to constantly battle with mold or foggy views of my tank. I understand that misting is important especially during the first instars of their life; but given the fact that I am usually on campus more than I am at home, I don't want them to be suffering too much. Are sponges or small water dishes safe in this case?
Sorry for the bombardment of questions; I'm just really excited to start something different from my usual fish tanks!
As far as feeding goes...my girlfriend does not share the same enthusiasm. Therefore, I'm wondering if I can get away with just feeding my mantises 1-2 different foods. I know that a variety of foods means healthier mantis, but I'm stepping on thin ice here...I was thinking of starting off with D. Hydei and then, when they're big enough, exclusively crickets and maybe the occasional nutrient rich silkworm?! If not, what else can I feed them besides crickets -- speaking of which, is there a site/store that has a healthy and steady supply of crickets or (other?)Two more weeks of finals before everything begins!...I should get back to studying.
