have tank now

[larrynews]

ok i have the tank, lights and stand, 55gallon, now the time to decide if i want or can do it, i have a 90 reef now with and explosion of corals and i know that part of the hobby well...i have read may articles on online , now wondering what you folks think whats the hardest part and what do i definitely need to have a healthy tank.
thanks

 

[rykna]

You're talking horse tank correct

 

[larrynews]

yep sorry since i have a the reef i will not have the temptation of mixing with others

 

[monalisa]

Originally Posted by larrynews
ok i have the tank, lights and stand, 55gallon, now the time to decide if i want or can do it, i have a 90 reef now with and explosion of corals and i know that part of the hobby well...i have read may articles on online , now wondering what you folks think whats the hardest part and what do i definitely need to have a healthy tank.
thanks
Congratulations on your decision. Be sure to research the different species of seahorses and figure out which you would like to raise, then set your tank up accordingly.
What is the hardest part of keeping seahorses? Hmmmmm...the 2 x/day feeding took me forever to get used to. During the summer months, keeping the tank cooler. I just used a clip on fan and made sure the a.c. was on when it was hot. The other thing that I (still) find difficult is landscaping my tank to look beautiful with seahorse-friendly elements...I'm always on the lookout for those. Then there's the religious twice/week water changes (I change out 3 gallons from my 37 2 x/week-10 days) to keep the water parameters in check and keep the water clean and pristine. That is another thing that has taken forever to get used...still kinda working on that one, but coming along nicely.
Another thing that I found very difficult was the fact that I was convinced that I had purchased a pair of females (they were very tiny when I got them), but ended up with a male and female. In my research though, I've found that kudas, due to circumstances that happen shortly after birth, will not mate with siblings (which I'm reasonably sure mine are). Whew...
Before finding that out though, I've come up with a plan to raise seahorse fry, which I've actually gotten quite excited about. I've got another pair of seahorses ordered and hopefully heading my way soon. And so the cycle continues...
Anything else?
Lisa

 

[rykna]

A seahorse tank is a bumpy ride, but well worth the research. My research and revamping of my horse tank have been designed from Lisa's success.

 

[monalisa]

Originally Posted by Rykna
A seahorse tank is a bumpy ride, but well worth the research. My research and revamping of my horse tank have been designed from Lisa's success.
Thank you Ryk (again)!!
Here's my mindset with regards to both of my tanks. I chose to get into this hobby, and I take it very seriously. On the other hand, the critters that I have, and will have, in my tanks did not have the luxury of choosing where they would be placed, so to speak. They completely depend on me (or whomever) to be sure that their water is kept in check, that they are fed consisitently, and that their environment is stimulating enough to keep them happy. This isn't necessarily an easy hobby, but I think that those that are in it for the long run, have gotten into it realizing this fact...it's work, yeah, but very rewarding in the long run. Just my 2 cents.
Do the research, take the time to set up properly, and be very consistent with maintenance and monitoring. You can't go wrong following that. Mostly though, think about the critters that you're caring for as little beings who depend on you, and don't forget that.
Lisa

 

[larrynews]

i now think i may make my empty 55 tank a fish with live rock, i am very nervous about the feeding the horses, i like to do thing the right way as my wife can tell you with the 10,000 dollar give or take , i have into my 90 gallon reef, i dont want to go into this without everything covered my real concern is vacation and the feedings, so think you for all the good advice . i will still look at your pictures cause i love the look of them..
thanks
larrry