Setting up First time Seahorse tank

[tracymace1229]

hello,
I am setting up a large system. Several tanks all tied together.
Want to make the 47 gallon 30 " high tank into a SeaHorse tank.
Never raised them.
Right now, I was planning on all tanks running from the same sump. the guy at the LFS suggested that the seahorse tank should be on its own system. Going to have some big eaters in the other tanks and he is worried about organics in the water from their feedings.
So should I continue with the plan OR should I use my 12 gallon Refugium as a separate sump for the Seahorse tank?
I have a small skimmer in the fuge plus LS and LR and would use an Emporer 400 for filter in 47 tank.
thanks for advice before I make all the plumping arrangements.

 

[teresaq]

I would suggest a separate system. Horses need lower temps - 72 to 77 degrees - but do better more towards the lower end. The higher the temp the more chance of infections. The 12 gal fuge would work nice, and just add a clip on fan to keep temps down.
What species of horses are you planning on??
TeresaQ

 

[tracymace1229]

I dont know
this is just the first steps toward the project. Haven't done any reading or research yet. Any ideas would be great
We use lots of internet sites to read up and now an then a periodical if it has a specific article. Two of the LFSs' have 2 really good staffs to help as well. The other 2 LFSs' have nice specimens, but only know as much as their suppliers inform them.
thanks

 

[teresaq]

please look into only captive bred horses, not tank raised.
Tank raised are what is called net or pen raised and are raised in the ocean and would have to be treated as wild caught.
It is much easier on you if you buy horses that are bred by a local breeder or breeding facility
read thru this it might help https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=348070
Do you plan to try and raise any fry??
Are you planning any tank mates?? please read thru this
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=315559
Good luck in your research
T

 

[cleve_seahorse]

Seahorses need to be kept in there own closed system , not tied to other tanks.Theres alot of risks , hydroids , aptasia , not to mention the diseases ....once a horse gets sick , it's almost a miracle if they get better

Not to be a downer , but set up a seperate system for such a delicate fish.

 

[novahobbies]

+1 with everything said above. Use the 12g for a sump, make sure the tank has moderate flow (not low, but definitely not SPS-level flow!) There is a wealth of material for research available; if you just google seahorse keeping you will find some great info. I understand wanting to tie everything in together for convenience' sake, but at the end of the day you will be happier knowing that the seahorse tank is buffered from the possible diseases, pests, etc that sometimes find their way into our reef systems.