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







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



http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/p...P1010013-1.jpg



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 :(