Seahorse Tank

[squirt_12]

Over the past year I have been thinking of setting up a seahorse tank. I have done tons of research but am still uncertain with a couple of things. I would be getting a pair of Hippocampus Reidi.

For the setup I would have a standard 20g tank. In the tank would be a formation of LR (10-20# leaving me enough room for plants) with lots of grasping plants/coral. The coral would be something like gorgonians. As well I would have macro algae and Caulerpa and anything else that is a good grasping plant for the seahorses. I may also add a few fake plants that would work well for them to grasp. The tank would be set at roughly 77F. For flow I am not sure the exact powerhead I would chose, but it would be positioned somewhere near the top back of the tank pointing at the front of the glass. This would cause the current to be pused down creating a soft current in the main body of the tank. I would be using LS for substrate. Probably about 2-3" of it. Would for sure be running a skimmer on the tank. Not sure which make or model. Also, they would be getting fed live BS (and any other live food I can find for them to eat) and any frozen food I can wean them onto.

Now come a few questions:
Do I need to run a sump/fuge on the tank? I am thinking that it would be better for me to do so as it would increase my filtration and amount of water. Also I would be able to hide the heater and skimmer so the seahorses don't wrap their tails around parts of them and get hurt. Suggestions? Size of tank should use/formation of sump/fuge?

Is there anything else that I was missing that would be beneficial for the tank? It's still early in the planning stage as I still have lots of research to do.

[Miltonic]

iirc, Seahorses need the temp. between 72- 74F so they don't get sick and the water parameters must be as close to perfect as possible

[squirt_12]

iirc, Seahorses need the temp. between 72- 74F so they don't get sick and the water parameters must be as close to perfect as possible

Really? Cause everywhere else I read said a temp between 75-80F.

P.S.
What does "iirc" mean?

[rageybug]

The tank should be great... you have done your homework! I think that gorgonians are a great idea, seahorses love them and they are great filter feeders.

Here is a pic of mine with all of it's polyps out



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As for the refugium, I think it is very important for a seahorse tank. Even though you will be offering them a good mix of food, they will still need copepods. With the amount of LR you are going to use, they will quickly get eaten, The refugium will help keep a healthy supply going to the main tank.

[Miltonic]

iirc = if i recall correctly

but its true they need lower temperatures so they don't get sick. I actually learnt this from people who keep seahorses and was doing some research about them since I want a seahorse tank in the future. They also require tall tank rather than long.

[rageybug]

I believe 72-78 is the target for Hippocampus Reidi...

[Miltonic]

But I would keep the temperature on the low side to prevent disease

[squirt_12]

The tank should be great... you have done your homework! I think that gorgonians are a great idea, seahorses love them and they are great filter feeders.

Here is a pic of mine with all of it's polyps out



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As for the refugium, I think it is very important for a seahorse tank. Even though you will be offering them a good mix of food, they will still need copepods. With the amount of LR you are going to use, they will quickly get eaten, The refugium will help keep a healthy supply going to the main tank.

Thats a very nice gorgonian you have there! Do you add anything special to your tank for it?

Also you are very true about the refugium. The reason behind my choice in LR amount is because I have read in multiple places that seahorse tanks shouldn't have alot of LR due to the pests that come in them. They could be a threat to the seahorses. I plan to have just enough to create good sleeping places and nice spots for gorgonians and other grasping plants/coral. But I would place a good amout of LR in the refugium for the reason you pointed out to have a good supply of copepods and what-not for the seahorses to eat.


iirc = if i recall correctly

but its true they need lower temperatures so they don't get sick. I actually learnt this from people who keep seahorses and was doing some research about them since I want a seahorse tank in the future. They also require tall tank rather than long.
Oh ok thanks. Didn't know what it ment.
But I still disagree with the temp. I stick behind my 77F.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

But I would keep the temperature on the low side to prevent disease

That is only for certain species. There are a number of different species from the Hippocampus genus available, some are temperate and a bit more difficult to care for and others are tropical. H. reidi is a tropical species, so the temperature range you mentioned would not be appropriate for them.

Squirt, I like your idea of trying to get the heater out of the tank. As you know, you don't want to put anything in there for them to grab onto that would harm them, and that includes heaters and any kind of stinging coral or anemone. Sounds like you have a really good plan working there though. Can't want to see how it goes.

[Miltonic]

Thanks for clearing that up I was under the impression all of them needed lower temps since i only looked at a few species.

anyways, what you have planned is great, I also can't wait to see what you have planned for them.

I really like seahorses but can't set up a tank for them at this time :(

[rageybug]

The yellow gorgonian in my tank was thriving on it's own for the most part. It filters feeds and my tank is... was, really healthy so it had lots to eat. It is a good idea to suppliment it with a filter feeder food like Marine Snow or Black Powder. I added the filter feeder food once a week.

If you are worried about bad hitchhikers getting to your seahorses from the LR, why not just get some base rock to put it instead? Eventually the baserock will come to life.

[squirt_12]

The base rock sounds like a good idea. I might go that route.

Now come some questions about a sump/fuge. I have zero idea here how to build one or what I am doing. Suggestions on the most basic one that would be suitable for a seahorse tank?

[rageybug]

For the size of tank you will be using, a simple hang on refugium may be the way to go. I have seen them on E-Bay for sale and I think there are plans on how to build them all over the internet. I'm no expert on refugiums as I have never used them myself. I'm sure someone will give you a more thorough answer here shortly!

[rageybug]

The base rock sounds like a good idea.


The picture of the gorgonian that I posted is attached to a piece of base rock. That rock was in my reef tank for about 6 weeks at that point. Obviously the base rock will grow faster with LR in the tank, but it gives you an idea.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I'd agree with that assessment. The HOB fuge is not a bad idea for your setup at all. You would also be able to put your heater in there as well.

[squirt_12]

Ok. I HOB fuge doesn't sound that bad. Alot easier than what I planned on doing. I figured I would have to build a sump/fuge underneath my tank with a 5-10g tank. This will be much easier for me to make. A simple Aquaclear filter would work wouldn't it? Or should I go for something else? Any HOB filters that have a deep tray in them so I can place my heater in there? For size comparison, it will be a stealth heater.
Also, what kinds of plants should I have in there? I will have LR and chaeto. Anything else? I will already have macro algae and Caulerpa in my display for the seahorses. And will be running a 6500K bulb over it probably 24/7.

[labnjab]

I would run the fuge light opposite the display vs 24/7

[squirt_12]

I would run the fuge light opposite the display vs 24/7
Really? So like turn the fuge lights on when I turn my display off?

Also I got thinking...could I use something like a big breeder box for my hang-on-refugium? That might give me more space. But Then I would have to put tubing on it and my own powerhead.

[AABatteries]

Here ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.]) is a link to an AC fuge mod.

[cocoa_pleco]

Really? So like turn the fuge lights on when I turn my display off?

yep, it prevents any PH swings

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

There is one major problem with this. If you are running just Chaeto as a macro algae then doing that would be fine, however if you have Calurpa and some other macros in there you run the risk of them going sexual on you and that will really mess up your tank. The 24/7 option really is the best option for Calurpa.

[squirt_12]

There is one major problem with this. If you are running just Chaeto as a macro algae then doing that would be fine, however if you have Calurpa and some other macros in there you run the risk of them going sexual on you and that will really mess up your tank. The 24/7 option really is the best option for Calurpa.

So having both of them in the same tank is a bad idea? I did not know this. How come them going 'sexual' on me would be bad? The reason I chose to use Chaeto was so my nitrites will stay low and the Calurpa was for in the display for the seahorses to grasp onto. But I can easily switch one out for the other. Whichever one would be more benificial for me I will keep.

EDIT - Also, to grow gorgonians in my tank, what are some other 'filter feeder' foods they can be fed?

[Dave66]

squirt, seahorses these days are captive raised, at least in the US, by law, thus are accustomed to eating prepared foods, specifically frozen mysis. Having more than one HOB refugium attached to the tank is a very good idea, since seahorses are near constant grazers.
We keep a dozen H. reidi in a 180 reef. At eight inches tall, you MIGHT be able to manage five in your 29 if it is VERY stable 24/7/365.

Dave

[squirt_12]

Ok, thanks Dave. Ya I was hoping that I would be able to get some that eat prepared foods. Thats good to hear that most of them do. I will be getting captive raised ones. Also, my tank is a 20g so I wouldn't be able to put 5 in it. Maybe 3?

EDIT - How many HOB refugiums do you think I should have? Two? One on each side of the tank?

[rageybug]

to grow gorgonians in my tank, what are some other 'filter feeder' foods they can be fed?


Any filter feeder foods will do. Some popular names are Marine Snow, Black Powder and Coral Frenzy.

[squirt_12]

What should I use for a skimmer on the tank?

A HOB skimmer? Or should I get a full on skimmer? Which would be the best for my tank and purpose?

[coachfraley]

These just came out:

They look pretty promising...
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[squirt_12]

These just came out:

They look pretty promising...
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

It does look like a nice skimmer. May get it and try it out.