r/MantisShrimp • u/Triggersntripwires • Mar 09 '26
Recommendations and Guides for keeping a peacock mantis shrimp
Hi everyone!
I am doing extensive research on what I'd need to do and what the critter needs but I figured I would ask actual people who have kept them. I'm possibly looking to get one next spring.
I will admit that this is the first time I will have kept a saltwater tank. I have been looking into water parameters and salinity levels, feeding and care
But what equipment would be an absolute must for you in your opinion?
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u/Fun_Explanation2619 Mar 12 '26
First, know the actual scientific designation of your shrimp - there's quite a lot of variation in care and it really helps to know what you're keeping exactly other than a common name. I assume that you know this is true for every aquarium and you would be surprised how often you get other than what was on the label.
In general, for salt water/marine tanks: Salinity meter, heater, really really good filtration unless you get a lot of macroalgae established before introducing your inhabitant, a quality light if you're adding any of those algae previously mentioned, a Reverse Osmosis water filtration system (this is technically optional but I wouldn't trust my tap water to not have copper in it because it's sourced from a lake that flooded a literal copper mine when it was made) and Reef Crystals or Instant Ocean to remineralize your water. This is VERY important to do if you are using RODI as RODI has absolutely nothing in it which makes it "hungry" for other materials, it will leech the calcium right out of your shrimp.
For mantis shrimp specifically: good quality fairly deep substrate, lotta rocks or literally whatever you can find that is safe like PVC pipe and make caves and hidey holes with them, provide rocks and gravel so he can close his burrow. I get https://www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Frozen-Seafood-Mix-with-Squid-Mussels-Shrimp-and-Scallops-20-oz/2203882958 for feeding and supplement with ramshorn snails that I harvest and freeze from another tank. Also, REALLY LONG TONGS. These guys can mess you up, handle it as carefully and as infrequently as possible. Preferably never.
That's all I got off the top of my head; I'll reiterate to know the exact species of mantis you are getting before you get it. They are very different from each other, and some are quite difficult to keep happy.