Tank set-up advice - 2006/02/12 10:02Hello! I was hoping I could get some additional information on setting up a new seahorse tank. I have read lots of information regarding these beautiful creatures, and want to do things correctly.
I am not new to aquariums and understand the nitrogen cycle very well. I am new, however, to salt water tanks. I have my eye on a 35 gallon hex tank and am wondering what equipment would be best for it. Will I need something to improve oxygenation? Should I get a protein skimmer? What about a sump/refractor? What kind of filter? Like I mentioned, I have read a lot about setup, but need specifics.
Also, should I purchase water? I live in the country and have well water. The pH is already very high, 8.4, but the water is extremely hard. Can I use softened water? Advice???????
I saw somewhere on this forum where someone purchased almost all the equipment you need directly from Ocean Rider, I think. I can't seem to find the link.
Thanks for any input you can give me!
Jen
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DaffyToons
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Re:Tank set-up advice - 2006/02/13 17:21Not sure why nobody has replied to my first post, but I wanted to add that I have nixed the hex tank. It didn't seem as if it would be completely appropriate for seahorses.
So, my next choice is a 45g corner tank. I'm thinking that a wet/dry filter would work best for the horses with a protein skimmer and sump. Does anyone think that I would need any further oxygenation? What about a power head?
Any advice at all would be very appreciated.
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I like the standard retangular shaped tank for seahorses.Most sizes come in a tall version. If given they will definitely use horizontal space. A wet dry filter with a skimmer and sump is ideal. UV is also nice.
I like to use RO water because it has many of the minerals that contribute to algae blooms filtered out.
Pete Giwojna has posted a chapter from his book on setting up a seahorse system. You can find it along with quite a bit of additional information in this thread.....
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DaffyToons
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Re:Tank set-up advice - 2006/02/14 10:03Thank you so much for your reply, Leslie! I have read Pete's article and have found it most informative. I still have some questions, though, because there are so many different options out there.
I know you like rectangular tanks best, but would seahorses be happy in a 45g corner unit (I guess it would technically be called a pentagon shape)?
I want to use a wet/dry trickle filter, but with so many choices, what is a good brand and what should the flow rate be for horses?
Thanks again for all your help, Leslie! I am so excited about this, and want to read everything I can get my hands on.
Edited because I found typos!!
Post edited by: daffytoons, at: 2006/02/14 11:07
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I don't know for sure if they would be happy. Folks do keep them in corner tanks and they do do well, so it is one option, just not the best in my opinion. aRetangular shaped tanks offer more surface area for gas exchange as well as more room along the back wall for equipment.
I am not familiar with all the wet dry filters out there, especially the sump models. I use Marineland hang on the back Emperors. For skimmers I like CPR Bac Pacs. MAny other folks like the Remora Cs.
As for flow rates we used to say that the total of all pumps should be 3 to 5 x the tank volume per hour but have found that is actually under circulated and that the horses do fine with more. More is actually better for the environment. It is something you have to tweek. Many horses like to play in the current. As long as there are quiet places for them to get out of the current and they are not being blown from one side of the tank to the next it should be fine.
HTH,
Leslie
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DaffyToons
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Re:Tank set-up advice - 2006/02/14 11:46Thanks again, Leslie, for your super-quick reply. I appreciate your specifics. I will go and read up (a lot) on UV sterilizers now.
One more questions, though: What is the advantage of having a sump?
Thanks again!
Jen
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