seahorse beginner

[re_vogel]

I have a 45 gal tall that I was not using so I figured I would add to the diversity in my 3 yr old reef. However, I don't want to make as many stupid mistakes as I did setting up that tank so I was wondering if someone could answer the following.
I have a 2 in deep sandbad and an Emporor 400.I want (will add) about 50 lbs of LR.
1) What type of Macro algre should i use in the tank.
2) I dont want to use plastic plants so what types of hitching post should I use (IE sponges, Gorganians, mangroves ect)
3) What type of horse provides the best color and survival rate.
4) How much flow should I have.
5) What are some good tank mates.
Thanks, more questions to come.

 

[zeke92]

good questions!
1. chaeto is fine, anything really will work.
2. low light/deep sea branchy (finger) gorgos, tree spongers, eelgrass, grapevine, all those are good. i have eelgrass and grapevine in it atm but plan on getting a deep sea finger gorgo soon.
3. all horses species have diff colors. erectus is suposedly the easiest of all the species.
4. not much, but don't leave deadspots.
5. good tank mates are small, slow moving fish. don't want any crabs or hermits, even small ones. pipefish are great tankmates. i have a yellow whatchman goby, and i'm sure any goby, and some blennies would work. just make sure the horses get enough food. have snails and a conch or something. no crabs or hermits whatsoever.
feel free to ask more. those are good questions

 

[teresaq]

IMO its best not to mix wc pipefish with CB seahorses. They can spread pathigens to your horses. small clowngobies, and neons make good tankmates. Most people keep only horses no other tankmates, Though I did keep clown gobies and a flame gobie with mine and never had a problem.
I agree with flow, not to strong, but no dead spots. Spray bar attached to a canister filter works good. Nice even flow.
Seahorses change colors, so bright colored micros and sponges will effect the color of your horse. Red kelp works good as well as shaving brushes, and any of the micros they sell on this site. You can also keep mushrooms, ric, leathers and zoos with your horses.

 

[monalisa]

Also, you state that you have a 3 year old reef that you would be adding these to...what kind of corals are you keeping? That would be a BIG consideration before adding seahorses or pipefish. I didn't notice, what are the current tank mates? Are your water qualities consistently good? What is the flow in your tank, temperature...etc.
Sounds like this is something that is plausible, especially given your sw keeping experience, but be sure that the environment is conducive to seahorses/pipefish and everyone else inhabiting the tank.
Lisa

 

[zeke92]

he is adding them to the tall tank he currently isn't using, from what i read

 

[rykna]

Mission Seahorse Tank
~add diversity in 3 yr old reef tank; is this the 45 gallon tall?
45 Gallon Tall Empty Tank
2 inch LS
50 lbs LR(will add)
Emperor 400 filter
1) What type of Macro algre should i use in the tank.
Just about any/all types of macro algae are a welcome addition to a seahorse tank.
2) I dont want to use plastic plants so what types of hitching post should I use (IE sponges, Gorganians, mangroves ect)
Sponges, Gorgs, Zoos, Xenia, Mushrooms are the safest. However, because of the low flow need in horse tanks it is very hard to keep most of these corals happy and thriving. Although live coral is very desirable for landscaping, it also adds to the waste load of the seahorse tank. Seahorses produce a lot of waste because they do not have a stomach. The digestive system is one long intestine, hence why you must feed them often and closely monitor the water quality in their tank.
3) What type of horse provides the best color and survival rate.
Easy in not generally used when trying to pick any species
of seahorse. Most information point towards the H. Erectus. As for color, Seahorses come in all variations~each unique to the individual and species. My personal favorite is Sunburst Reidi, but on the chart they are rated harder to keep. I have not housed a Reidi.
4) How much flow should I have.
Flow is something you will have to adjust. Horses seem to like variety of flows, but I've had seahorses for over a year and have not yet come upon the right combination.
5) What are some good tank mates.
Seahorses are a Species Only Tank. They do best in herds of their own species. They are extremely social and do best in groups. I current have 2 females and plan to get at least 2 more for the 45 gallon tank.
Keep the questions coming, we'll have you up to your gills in seahorses

 

[re_vogel]

Thanks for the information, I don't think I have ever gotten such a complete answer.
The tank is a unused tank I had in the garage. Everything is from scratch
Let me ask another question. I am weary of using alot on new LR because of the potential for hitchhikers. My wife likes the look of LAVA rock. Will this work as a good baserock or should I use another type.
If so, Names would be appriciated.
Also, ANY other suggestions or advice would be appriciated
Thanks

 

[re_vogel]

Also, how much flow in terms of turnover 10X, 15?????

 

[teresaq]

I prefer to use base rock, but have never used lava rock in a sw tank. not sure if its safe or not. flow is a hard thing. its not like a reef where you need a certain amount, it more about not having any dead spots and having a diverse flow where one area has less then others. I may have written this before, but I like to use a spray bar attached to a canister filter across the back of the tank so you get a nice even flow.
Ok, I just did a search on base rock, and found this
LAVA
COLOR - Black to red and brown
REEF SAFE - Some lava is reef safe - only use tested types
HARDNESS - From very hard to almost glass like
CORALINE GROWTH - Grows well on some pieces we have tested
SHAPE - Some pieces have wonderful shapes
Reef safe Idaho Lava comes in many textures and colors. Lava can have many minerals in it so be sure the lava has been tested.

 

[darthtang aw]

I would advise against the Lava rocks just because of the trace elements and minerals somtimes contained in these as they are not you typical "seabed" style rock. Also starting from scratch let you tank set up and establish for atleast 6 months. The first six month of a new tank are hard on seahorses due to fluctuations and lack of living organisms...