New to 'Ponies'-Questions

[al mc]

I have two well established tanks (2 years +) each with a large refugium. Both have abundant 'pods'. and macroalgae and mangrove plants.
My questions:
1. Would these be good safe places to keep sea horses?
2. Since I am new to 'ponies' what would be the hardiest two or three species that you would suggest?
3. I have read a couple of recent posts that suggests they may like more water movement than previously thought...opinions?
Thanks.

..Al

 

[rykna]

I have two well established tanks (2 years +) each with a large refugium. Both have abundant 'pods'. and macroalgae and mangrove plants.
My questions:
1. Would these be good safe places to keep sea horses?
What size are the tanks???
2. Since I am new to 'ponies' what would be the hardiest two or three species that you would suggest?
Well, I'd side step ponies(dwarf seahorses) if your tanks are larger than 15 gallons
Here's a Thread that will help on choosing your first Seahorse(or Horses as I call the big ones and Ponies for the Dwarfs..just easier to type)
3. I have read a couple of recent posts that suggests they may like more water movement than previously thought...opinions?
There is so little known about the needs of seahorses in captivity~with the exceptions of the basics. I recently commented about my ponies seeming to enjoy the high flow from the Ehiem Pro2 I installed. High flow ensures higher water quality and illiminates dead spots in your tank. The problem starts with stress...seahorses are not strong swimmers. Being tumbled around the tank by high flow is a death by stress for seahorses. But most habitats that seahorses live in the wild are shallow reefs, which are subject to tides and constant water flow changes, especially when the sea is rough. I am leaning toward the theory that the habits in the wild are jammed full of plant life, therefore allowing ample hitching posts(so no stress by high flow). Which is why Seahorses have developed to be opportunistic camoflauged predators. They simply snick in what ever swims by. Replicating this environment in your tank is quite the feat; it can be done, but it takes a lot of time, effort, and patience.
What did you have in mind for you seahorse tank?

 

[teresaq]

A lot would depend on how big the tanks are and whats in them.
lets get some basic info first., oh and Welcome.

 

[al mc]

Thanks for the response. More info: My plan was to keep them in the refugiums. These hold about 20-25 gallons of water and have a flow of water that comes out numerous perforations in a PVC pipe. The refugiums have about 20# of live rock, a few small snails and blue legged crabs, feather dusters, macoalgae and three mangrove plants. Lighting is provided by a hanging MH over one and a T5 fluro with both actinic and 10,000K bulbs over the other.
While I do not know the exact water flow thru the refugiums (I would questimate 400-500 gallons/hour. I do have a single Maxijet 600 to move water in each refugium. The sides of the refugium are 15" in height.
They will not be keep with other fish/corals. They are separate in the DTs
I did not realize ponies=dwarfs........So, I will rephrase the question and ask what species of seahorse would be the most hardy in this situation regardless of size?
Thanks again.....Al

 

[rykna]

No Problem
More info:
1.)My plan was to keep them in the refugiums.
This is a very bad idea, although I understand why you thought a refugium would be a excellent habitat for a seahorse. Seahorses require a tank dedicated to them, a Species Only Tank. At least for your first seahorse tank. There are very few compatible tank mates for seahorses due to their slow eating and inefficient digestive tract.
2.)These hold about 20-25 gallons of water and have a flow of water that comes out numerous perforations in a PVC pipe. The refugiums have about 20# of live rock, a few small snails and blue legged crabs, feather dusters, macoalgae and three mangrove plants. Lighting is provided by a hanging MH over one and a T5 fluro with both actinic and 10,000K bulbs over the other.
Seahorses need a tank that is twice as tall as they are. For Horse species 29 gallon is the minimum for one pair, and that's pushing it. Ponies do much better in small tanks. The largest I would keep them in is a 15 gallon, this is due to the size of their prey(baby brine shrimp, and the size of the pony~adults are ~1 inch) Lighting is also different in seahorse tanks. Due to the need of low flow algae is your constant enemy. I am still trying to find a balance.
While I do not know the exact water flow thru the refugiums (I would questimate 400-500 gallons/hour. I do have a single Maxijet 600 to move water in each refugium. The sides of the refugium are 15" in height.
3.)They will not be keep with other fish/corals. They are separate in the DTs
There are seahorse friendly tank mates, but it is hard to meet the needs of the seahorse and the tank mates at the same time.
4.)I did not realize ponies=dwarfs
No problem, this was something I came up with to make the distinction between the two, and it's easier to type.

5.)What species of seahorse would be the most hardy in this situation regardless of size?
Unfortunately hardy and easy do not go along with keeping seahorses. But here is a link to a list of all species and ease of keeping that Darth helped me with.

https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/283300/care-level-of-seahorses
I'd like to hear about the current tanks you have, perhaps one of them could be converted into a seahorse tank, especially since your tanks are loaded with pods

 

[al mc]

Rykna...Thanks for the response and advice. I have several tanks.
The two I previously referred to are a 156 gallon with a 75 gallon sump/refugium at home and a 175 gallon with 100 gallon sump/refugium at work. I do have several other tanks that I use for QT on new fish or corals that can easily be converted into a seahorse tanks, but I was hoping that the refugiums might be ideal for them with their low water flow and pods and stable water parameters. I really did not want to launch yet another tank dedicated to seahorses, but after reading your advice it would appear to be the only way.
The Dts have an assortment of fish...several tangs, gobies, clowns and mandarins.
Thanks

 

[rykna]

Originally Posted by Al Mc
Rykna...Thanks for the response and advice. I have several tanks.
The two I previously referred to are a 156 gallon with a 75 gallon sump/refugium at home and a 175 gallon with 100 gallon sump/refugium at work. I do have several other tanks that I use for QT on new fish or corals that can easily be converted into a seahorse tanks, but I was hoping that the refugiums might be ideal for them with their low water flow and pods and stable water parameters. I really did not want to launch yet another tank dedicated to seahorses, but after reading your advice it would appear to be the only way.
The Dts have an assortment of fish...several tangs, gobies, clowns and mandarins.
Thanks

Glad I could help

You're well on your way to having a seahorse tank~ Planning, more planning, and more planning

Fire gobies and Seahorses get along. Maybe you could design your tank and include your gobies