hey guys, braidsta here. I've decided that at the age of 21 I'm old enough to have all the pets I wanted as a kid. Tigers etc won't happen but I've a good tropical setup, one more huge one on the way tomorrow and I'm starting a project to build up a terrarium for dart frogs.
I've never kept an insect before and Mantids really apeal to me. I've done a lot of research over the years and have been refreshing my memory the past few weeks and got directed here by a guy from a fish forum.
I have a few items on my list for things to buy this month, I'd appreciate a little newbie guidance here on whether I'm buying the right setup.
The Terrarium:
http://www.everythingforpets.com/exo_terra...id.6373.dept.7/
The Plants:
http://www.everythingforpets.com/exo_terra...7435.dept.1404/
http://www.everythingforpets.com/exo_terra...7410.dept.1404/
plus some kind of live plant, possibly one of those bendy sticks sold for reptiles.
The Heat Source
http://www.everythingforpets.com/exo_terra...6354.dept.1140/
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going on what info I've read on most sites, the tank needn't be so big, but I always feel better giving a creature in my charge as much room as possible to kick about in. There is a nice stand available or the tank which I will also buy.
The Plants: Are they ok for an african mantis? I want him to be able to clamber about or whatever so do you guys reckon they'd be suitable? Whatever happens I need the first plant in there for *cough* sentimental value*cough* 
I also read that enough warmth could be provided for the mantis via a heat rock, I just wanna check if this is the case.
Well sorry for the long post but I don't wanna buy the wrong thing as there's no petshops or anyone round here to talk to about mantids.
feel free to give me a slap for any stupid questions
cheers
