Purpose Made Tanks

These are available in most pet shops in several sizes. They have plastic mesh lids that allow good airflow. They are suitable for small and medium sized insects and mantids.

    
 

Converted Fish Tanks

I simply made lids for these by using super glue to stick garden mesh round the rim of the existing lid for the first tank and in the second, I constructed a pine frame that I stapled the mesh to. I also created a divider via the same method.

    
 

Home-made tank

I constructed this tank from a basic pine frame (20mm x 20mm wood), to which perspex sheeting was attached with brass screws. I made a separate door, attached by hinges and to the inside attached garden mesh by staples. Further garden mesh was attached to the interior to allow the insects to climb and hang.

This is one of many methods to create a tank, all be it a little expensive in this case, but depending on which species of phasmid kept, mesh can be used instead of perspex/plastic to control humidity. The beauty of these tanks are that you can tailor make one to the size you need, this one is 70cm high, by 36 cm wide and deep. I keep my largest phasmids in here (Eurycnema goliath).

         
 

Converted Plastic Storage box

These cost under £5 to produce and are very effective. Simply buy a storage box, cut a piece out of the lid and super glue some garden mesh in place. Ideally, a clear box is preferable as these let plenty of light in to the tank.


 

The Classic Sweet Jar

These are useful for small insects and nymphs. I have cut a piece out of the back and super glued some garden mesh in place, but you can simply get some netting material instead and use an elastic band to hold it in place instead of using the provided lid.

    
 

Below are some pictures of my Eurycnema goliath and Extatosoma tiaratum in my custom made tank.