seeking guidance on stocking options

[DarkHive]

You know you want to put a mantis shrimp in there...

You're really gonna put a mantis in there, right?

[dreamon7]

Guess I got what I was hoping for - a nudge towards getting a mantis. Thanks, Ski, I think. Now I've got some serious reading to do while this tank cycles. Any suggestions on a mantis species that'd thrive in a small setup like this?

[fleeton]

For a tank this size, you're pretty much limited to either N. Wennerae or G. Smithii. Wennerae are readily available from tampabaysaltwater.com - $50 shipped right to your door, can't beat that. On the other hand, Smithii are ridiculously hard to find here in the States, and if the seller knows what they've got, be prepared to part with your life savings.

[dreamon7]

Honestly, I just don't get why the Smithii is so pricey. To me, the Wennerae looks way more attractive and colorful. I guess it's all about availability, huh? The Wennerae's $50 price tag seems perfect to me, thanks for the info, Ski.

[fleeton]

Yeah, it's a combo of availability and some of those G. Smithii being just plain gorgeous. You get the classic low supply, high demand equation, and that's what drives the price up.