anyone ever tryed an ATS only system on SH tank?

[Devaji108]

space is very limited but really want to set op a tank was thinking a 29 or 40 br DIY all in one style tank.

I know SH are pretty messy eaters but I do have a lot of faith in the algae scrubbers. was thinking of a DIY up flow HOG style ATS in a back chamber of the tank with the heater ( i live in a pretty cold area) , probes. PH etc.

just wondering if any one out there as done it?

also what size of PH would you add the a 29 if I go that size?
any thoughts on the 29 VS the 40 BR?
I know then need height to breed transfer the egg from female to male but if I dont have any intention to raise the fry would a 40 br work?

cheers
Deva

 

[rayjay]

Personally, after 11 yrs of seahorse keeping, I wouldn't even try it unless you are still going to do frequent large water changes and continually siphon out uneaten food/detritus from around rock/decor, especially hidden spots.
The scrubbers still leave the possibility of bacterial explosions as food decays.
They work fine for processing the decayed product, but don't stop bacteria cultures in the food as it decays.
With many salt water fish, this isn't a problem, but seahorses are extremely prone to bacterial infections.
The only power heads I have experience with are the Hagen 802's that I use with the quick filter attachment that are cleaned out every few days.
Most people would recommend an oversized protein skimmer as a number one addition.
I use a 40g BR for juveniles before they are moved to the 65.
If used with a sump, you can hold 4 adults there with just a little more in the way of water changes.
A low tank doesn't guarantee they still won't get fry.

 

[Devaji108]

thanks for the response...
I am trying to keep this set up as simple as possible as no doubt I will be moving in the next year and space is very very limited in my tiny apt. maybe 500 SF so the plan was to go sumpless and make it an all in one set up. that was the thought foe the ATS.

however you do have a good thoughts about the SH being prone to bacteria infections with the rotting food...hummm dang....

this there any HOG skimmers that anyone would suggests? like the romora
or the like?

 

[Devaji108]

oh here is a random idea what about a UV along with an ATS think that would have any effect in helping the bacteria form food breaking down?
kinda defeats the idea in having a simple AIO set but just thinking...

 

[rayjay]

Unfortunately, the UV is only going to kill off what goes through it.
The bacteria that we are concerned about with seahorses basically stay on surfaces and are not free swimming to get put through the UV.

 

[btreyes]

I followed an online schematic from RC and made an ATS for my setup, but it didn't seem to work that well. It had good algal growth on the screens, but it never seemed to impact my phosphates and nitrates that much. What seemed to help a lot more is just getting a ton of macroalgae, now my nitrates are always close to zero and the horses love it, but I'm sure you've heard this already.

 

[btreyes]

Oh yeah, and I use an old CPR Bakpak skimmer that works really well.

 

[Devaji108]

^ thanks for the feed back...interesting that it never lowered ur no3 but the macro did the trick...oh well I bet the macros look alot better anyway right!