Would a hex tank be ok for SH?

[bender77]

OK, so I've been on the look for a larger tank or converting my 55 gallon to salt water. The reason is that I planned on transferring my 24 gallon nano to it and making it a seahorse tank. After 6 years with a healthy nano, I figured I may be ready to get the seahorses I've always wanted. Now I've been thinking, I'm really happy with my nano and I'm not sure I want to break it down, and I don't think it's tall enough. So what if I sold my 55 and got like a 34g hex instead? I could keep one of my canister filters for the hex and try to find some upgraded lighting in case I wanted a few softies with the horses. I could then use dead sand and rock and start a cycle with shrimp as not to introduce anything into the tank. Then I could add some macro algea, maybe a couple of tree sponges, snails a couple of clown gobys and when the tank is ready a pair of horses.
I'm thinking of buying the tank new, so I don't have to worry about what may have been kept in there. I just want to make sure I have the proper set-up and I don't want to rush into anything. All you seahorse guru's please give me direction.

 

[teresaq]

Sounds good for a pair. the only problem with hexes are flow, though a nice spraybar with your canister would help with that.
T

 

[bender77]

OK, I've been looking at breeds and I think I may be interested in H. Fuscus. If I could get another Nano-Cube off CL for cheap, would this work OK with a couple of power heads

 

[teresaq]

Most keepers dont like nano cubes for horses, The hex tank would be better.
You could do a couple of pairs of Fuscus is a 30ish gal hex. Just be sure to only buy captive bred horses
Good Luck
T

 

[bender77]

Originally Posted by TeresaQ
http:///forum/post/3085839
Most keepers dont like nano cubes for horses, The hex tank would be better.
You could do a couple of pairs of Fuscus is a 30ish gal hex. Just be sure to only buy captive bred horses
Good Luck
T
Cool then that's the way I will look. Any reason why they don't like nano cubes?

 

[teresaq]

I think its because of the size, filteration, and flow. Just not a good fit with messy horses, and they can be messy with thier eatting.

Also they hold heat, and horses need to be kept at 74 degrees or less

 

[bender77]

Well if I was able to keep up with the bioload of 2 messy Oscars and a pleco in a 55g (before I knew better) Surely I can keep up with a couple of horses

 

[teresaq]

Oh I'm sure you can

Just like a couple of messy kids.
good filter and quality water your good to go

 

[teresaq]

you could just use your 55 gal and do a seahorse, softy tank.
Lots of mushrooms, and xenia and macros.
T

 

[novahobbies]

That's a good idea -- a 55 would be plenty of room for 6+ horses if you wanted to.
I also like the idea of using a new hex tank. My horses use the entire water column, and a hex tank with hitches in different heights all the way up the tank would look stunning. Like Teresa mentioned, the biggest problem with all hex tanks is flow. Koralia powerheads are very safe with horses, and a K1 near the top of the tank angling down combined with another near the sandbed would definitely help with your cannister. Lots of people add airlines in low-flow areas as well. I've never done this, but I see the logic behind it.
Whichever you choose, don't forget:
POST PICS!

 

[bender77]

I've been contemplating using my 55 but after really looking at it, I think it may be bowing some, and I'm not sure I trust it. But I found a tank today I love!!! Bad news, it was at petsmart by the door and on sell for cheap. I almost bought it but looked around instead, couldn't find anything else went back and it was gone

I asked about it and looked at me like I had 2 heads, evidently it was a size they don't usually carry. So I'm going to wait and see by chance if they get another one in on Monday, if not I found a LFS that would order one for a little bit more money. It is a 37 gallon Column aquarium (20l x 18w x 25h)

I may keep one of my filters or buy a new one, not sure, and I would definitely upgrade the crappy lighting. Then I can keep some softies. For some strange reason DH isn't fighting me on this

I wonder what he wants

 

[teresaq]

I love that tank. It was my first seahorse tank. I used a 20 inch sunpod on it.
The only bad thing is there isn't much room underneath, but a canister filter fits nice.
I used a canister with a spray bar.
T
For some strange reason DH isn't fighting me on this I wonder what he wants HEHEHE

 

[novahobbies]

LOL, too funny -- that's the tank I have too!

They also make a 47g tank that has the same footprint but 6 inches taller. IMO the 47 is just a *little* too tall for most people tho.

 

[bender77]

Originally Posted by novahobbies
http:///forum/post/3087124
LOL, too funny -- that's the tank I have too!

They also make a 47g tank that has the same footprint but 6 inches taller. IMO the 47 is just a *little* too tall for most people tho.
That's the entire reason I didn't get that one. I'm 5'3 and didn't want to have to get on a step stool to clean or arrange it

 

[teresaq]

I'm 5'3 and still have to have a step stool

 

[novahobbies]

Well I'm 6'4" and I.......don't have that problem!!

I still have to stretch to reach the bottom of my 110g tank, tho.