Opinions needed

[shrimpy brains]

Ok, so you guys got me wanting seahorses!

I am currently setting up a 125g reef tank (to replace my 90g). In the mean time I have been reading thru these threads and have been inspired to try horses(my previous knowledge of keeping these is my lfs telling me I would be lucky if they lived 2 weeks) Now, I am encouraged that they can be kept. ( if done right)
So, I recently found a 65g hex tank for $45 and had to buy it. So, here is my first question(there will be a lot more). I was thinking it would be very convenient to plumb this tank thru the same refugium that I am hooking up to my 125g. Also, it would provide more water to system for additional stability. Do you think this is a good or bad idea, and why? Was planning to also add a HOB refugium for additional pod production?(do you think this is overkill?)
Also, what horses would you recommmend for this size tank and how many?
Looking for the easiest to care for as I am a newbie to horses. Thought about dwarfs but heard they only live about 1 year. Would like something that lives a bit longer.
Ok, so that was more than 1 question.

Sorry! Your help is appreciated!

 

[reefnutpa]

While I understand your reasoning for wanting to plumb the hex into your new reef tank, IMO it is not a good idea. The main reason is seahorses will degrade the water quality and your reef could suffer. As I have reef tanks myself, you and I both know how important water quality is for a reef tank. A seahorse tank loads the water with organics, phosphate, etc - which is not desirable at all for a reef tank where algae issues can destroy the reef.
The other reason it's not a good idea is seahorses should be kept no warmer than 74F. Again, being an experienced 'reefer' you're aware that reef tanks usually do best at 78F-80F, which would not be a healthy environment for seahorses.
With that said, you can still have an awesome stand-alone seahorse tank using the 65 hex. Any of the TRUE captive bred seahorses would work well for this tank. Stay clear of 'tank raised' seahorses. You could put 2 pair in the 65 gal comfortably.
Tom

 

[shrimpy brains]

Oh, I forgot to mention that I currently run a chiller and will continue to do so. I keep it set at 74 degrees, so temp. should not be a problem.

 

[shrimpy brains]

Very good point about the possible pollution to reef. My concern was for neg. influences the other way. I will build a sep. refuge for horses. Thanks!

 

[teresaq]

Hi and welcome. a 65 gal hex is a nice size. Hex tanks are a little harder to get the flow right, but it can be done and they are beautiful.
Dwarfs need a 5 to 10 gal tank and newly hatched bbs. Way to small for your tank. Your tank can easily hold 2 pairs of lrg species such as erectus or reidi.
I would not attach it to your 125. Even though it sounds good, more water ect. Horses need lower temps them most people keep thier reef tanks.
They need to be kept under 77 degrees with preferable being around 74. This helps keep bacteria away from our pets.
ok, tom types faster then me

 

[shrimpy brains]

Also, please don't bash me about the 74 degree reef tank. It was the temp. I was originally (possibly mistakenly) informed a reef tank should be. I used to freak out when my temp. was 80.

I would freeze bottles of water and float them alternately to keep down.

I finally bought a chiller and had for a couple of years before anyone told me any different.
Since, then I have thought about raising temp, but all inhabitants seem healthy and happy. I also believe it is why I haven't had any infections or parasite problems.(although I probably just jinxed myself) So, I am afraid to change what seems to be working well.

Anyway, here is my fear about picking the right horses. Say I get 2 pair of reidi or erectus or whatever, eventually these horses are going to reproduce(possibly) which would be awesome. So, which have the easiest fry to raise?
It would totally break my heart to have all the fry die.

I saw someone on here who was intending to raise fry in same tank with parents. Is this possible? Would it not be beneficial? I thought seahorse dads raised fry. Could it be that seperating them is part of the problem facing home breeders? Maybe they receive some benefit form being with the parents. I know it wouldn't be the same, but don't mammals receive most of their immune system from mothers milk? Could there not be something akin to this in horses? Stupid questions I'm sure. Was just wondering.

 

[teresaq]

No question is a bad question. We all have to learn. Believe me I ask them all the time.
I have erectus and their fry tend to be the easiest. Though there are several breeders having great success with reidi fry. Even at that. Fry are a trial and error thing. Finding the right tank set up that works for you. I have one fry left out of 80. It is now 6 weeks old. No fry are easy by far, but the more you do it the easier it gets.
Because of the amount of food you have to feed the fry, and the size of them and the fact that they need a very very clean-bare bottom tank, I dont think there are anyone raising lrg species fry with the parents. They have also been known to eat them, or at least I have read this.
Things like hydroids, and amphipods will also kill fry.
some of the difference between reidi and erectus are erectus hitch at birth, and reidi dont. Erectus eat newly hatched bbs, and reidi need rotifers for a few days to weeks
T

 

[shrimpy brains]

I know teresa, I followed your fry thread and it broke my heart. Got me thinking, with all you put into it, and all your experience, if you couldn't raise them, how could I?? I am glad you have one still alive at 6 weeks. Congrats! I think if I could have at least one survive, that would be a great accomplishment.
I had been hoping you would respond to my thread, as I hope to be picking your brain(and others) alot. Thanks! (Pic. of baby?)

 

[teresaq]

I was told by a very good breeder that if I could raise one to adult hood I was successful. This is my first time with fry, so this was a whole new experiance for me. I dont have any recent pictures, I will have to try for some tomorrow. babie already sleeping.

 

[teresaq]

Also, please dont by horses from your lfs, unless you know exactly where they are from. My pair was ordered for me directly from ora. There are several good breeders around, but you dont want pen or net raised horses that they are selling as captive bred. I sent you a PM
T