60G seahorse tank

[nickb]

I'm planning to set-up a 60G tank (2x2x2 cube) for seahorses. It will also have seagrasses and macros plus some LR. The sandbed will be about 4".

What types of sea hroses would be suitable for this set-up (I'll only buy CB of course)? I was looking at Erectus as a first choice but a question has been raised about whether the tank will be high enough. In any event, being from Canada, our choices for CB seahorses are rather limited so it may be 'catch as catch can'. but, I would appreciate comments

 

[Fishfreak218]

Erectus, Kuda, Reidi etc. is all fine IMO

 

[whatnot45]

GO with Erectus they are great! and their fry are the easyest to rais incase you decide to try.

 

[nickb]

Another question about this tank set-up.

I'd like to grow some seagrasses and macro. My question concerns lighting requirements. I was initially planning on PC lighting (2x55W) but have been advised that this is not adequate for the plants (although it would be fine for the sh's). As alternatives, I'm looking at either a T5 fixture (4x24W) or an MH pendant system (either 250 or 400W or perhaps 150 HQI).

I'm looking for input on these options. I'm worried about heat with MH and whether T5 would work in a 24" deep tank.

 

[whatnot45]

Dont do MH its a waist, and Seahorses dont like it. Ide get the T-5.

 

[djc1026]

T5's should work fine with good individual reflectors. You'll probably still need fans in the retro or hood.

You could do the lower MH, the 150 or 175. I don't think it would be two much light but even 8-12 inches off the water, you won't have severe heat problems, but you may have difficulty staying in the low 70's without a chiller, even with the 150 HQI.

Personally I think you could get away with PCs since you will have a 4" sandbed. I don't know about seagrasses, but my macros grow just fine under PCs that are 22" from the top of the sandbed (shallow bed and elevated off the tank).

Dave

 

[BruceW]

I think the 60 cube is a great size for seahorses. You need to do some more research to see if you truly want to deal with seagrasses. You can grow some of the smaller species with a 4 inch sand bed but you will want at least 5 watts per gallon.

I think you would be better off with macros to start out. Less expense and easier to care for. I sunk about $1500 into my seagrass tank and although it hasn't been a smashing success it has done ok. Also, with marcos you have a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes to choose from.
You can view my seagrass tank here http://forum.seahorse.org/index.php?showtopic=28381

If you use a 4 inch sand bed be sure to leave some open areas for your seahorses to court.

Bruce

 

[nickb]

OK, I'm finally at the point of buying my seahorses. I've got a supplier of tank-raised Kuda (about 2.5" long). I had planned to get 2 pair but the supplier doesn't have 2 males. Would I be better to get 1 male and 3 females? or to get 1 pair and add another pair from another supplier?

 

[whatnot45]

I would go ahead and get the male and 3 females. It sounds like the kuda are not fully mature yet, so when they get to be mature, having one male with 3 females will mean a nearly always pregnant male!

 

[pledosophy]

Curious if you decided to try the seagrasses? What light did you go with?

Kuda is a complex. Can you give a pic so we can see. I hope you are happy with the seahorses. Welcome to the world of being seahorse obsessed.

 

[nickb]

Haven't got any seagrasses yet. I'm sticking with macros. THe comments about lighting made me re-think things.

The photo on the site seems to be a generic one. Doubt it would help with getting a valid ID. If I place the order, I'll try and post a good photo when they arrive.