Changing a frag tank to pipefish/seahorse questions

[apuhl20]

So I currently have approximately a 300 gallon system that consists of a 180g display, 10g fuge, 75g sump, and 3 30g breeder frag tanks.

I would like to change one of the frag tanks into a macro display/pipefish/seahorse tank.

Question 1- do seahorses and pipefish generally get along well, and is a 30breeder (36lx18wx12h) enough room for a pair of each?

Question 2- I know seahorses need to be fed frequently. With this being a macro algae tank, it will be packed full of pods. Would feeding once a day be sufficient as they will supplement themselves all day on live pods?

 

[Molehs]

Your fist and biggest issue is that the temps for seahorses are much lower than a reef tank/system. Anything above 74f greatly increases the chance of bacterial issues.

 

[mtc1966]

plus one you would have to chill the water coming in and heat it going out. other then that your system sounds great.

 

[apuhl20]

My reef stays around 76 and not above 77. Is a couple degrees that much of a problem?

 

[marlin85]

It can be done at those temps, but its more of a risk for bacterial issues like discussed above. I keep my house cold and my seahorse tanks stay at around 70.

 

[rayjay]

Yes there are seahorses doing well in tanks with warmer temperatures.
However, it is safer at the lower temperatures.
As I see it, the bigger problem can be with exposing seahorses to pathogens other than what they have acclimated themselves to while growing up.
These pathogens come from other fishes, even other seahorses from different breeding systems and pipefish have been notorious for causing wipeouts of seahorse tanks.
Pipefish are almost exclusively wild caught with the only one I've seen listed as captive bred being from ORA I believe it was.
The other problem that can happen is problems with your sps if you have any.
Seahorses degrade their water quality very quickly and with a system tied to your reef you have to watch for signs of die off.

 

[namxas]

Get a pair of flagfins (genus Doryhamphus)...they will do fine at reef temps and in reef settings. Bluestripes stay small, but you must be sure you have a M-F pair as males will try to kill each other.