Display Refugium

[Kharn]

Looking for Opinions.

In the next 6months I'm going to be building a unique pair of large multi tank display systems.

1 system has only Mantis Shrimp (1600L)
1 system has only Mix Live Food (1650L)

Each system has a simple Filtration setup in the following layout.
Display Tanks -> Sump Input Filter Sock -> Skimmer -> Refugium -> Reactor(s) + RODI Float + Return Pump -> Display Tanks.

Point is each of the systems has large Refugiums.
540L - 200cm x 45cm x 60cm
485L - 180cm x 45cm x 60cm

What I was thinking for the 485L Refugium was to have some Pod eaters, simply because nothing in either Mantis Shrimp or Live Food system will actually consume pods...Seahorses, Pipefish, Dragonets & Twin Spotted Gobies.

The Refugium has a uniform layout and the Macro Algae will be trimmed constantly and treated similar to a Freshwater Planted Tank...
- Marine Pure Blocks (8inx8inx4in ea)
- 2in Deep Sand Bed
- Macro Algae

I guess what I am getting at ultimately is this the following.

What 'ratios' of each (Seahorses, Pipefish, Dragonets & Twin Spotted Gobies) could fit into a 485L Refugium, just a pair of each except maybe the seahorses, I would looove to get a few types of each but am not sure about conflicts even if the tank is large and they are small?

&

What else could happily go in such a system and benefit from the cope/amphipods that would be in abundance but also be placid with the other peaceful pod crunchers? (I've thought of Grass Eel & Sea Moth but neither of them tickle my fancy).

Cheers

 

[rayjay]

Basic rule of thumb for standard seahorses normally found in the hobby is for 30g for the first pair and 15g for each additional pair. However, Dan at seahorsesource.com I think prefers that each pair should have 30g, not just the first pair. (about 114 litres)
You might possibly encounter problems by containing seahorses in a system that needs situations not best for the seahorses though,
Best chance of success goes with temperatures in the 68° to 74°F range. Also, sometimes seahorses succumb to pathogens that they haven't been exposed to while growing up but are exposed to when placed in systems that contain other fish.