first and second stages completed...

[MonaLisa]

I've had a 37gal reef now for almost 2 years, and I decided that I wanted to expand that a bit and use my 37 for sh's. I only expanded my reef to a 46 bf tank, but the difference is awesome. I would love to have gone much bigger, but I had to use the spot that the old tank was in and so I had space restrictions.

Anyway, the second phase of this project to get seahorses was completed yesterday. After careful scraping, scooping, scrubbing, wiping, and polishing, my 37gal is now sitting clean and empty, waiting for the set up.

I've read contradicting discussions regarding LR and skimmers. I've read that putting LR in a sh tank raises the chances of getting undesirable hydoids (?). So, do I go with strictly base rock and sand? IDK...

Also, the consensus seems to be pretty much back and forth with regards to using a skimmer. I would prefer to use one, but not if it would be detrimental to my ponies.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Lisa :fish1:

 

[MonaLisa]

Sorry for the double post...stupid computer :mad2:

Lisa :fish1:

 

[ReefNutPA]

Hi Lisa,

Hydroids are a non-issue with the larger seahorses. They are only problematic with fry and dwarf seahorses. So, by all means you may use LR in the adult seahorse tank.

As far as skimmers, some are against them some are for them. I personally use a HOB skimmer on all my SH tanks (except the dwarf tank) and they have never caused an issue. I use AquaC Remora skimmers.

One issue with skimmers is you do not want them to throw a lot of microbubbles into the main tank. On occasion, excessive microbubbles can be a problem for males that are flushing their pouch or courting and might get bubbles stuck in their pouches. It's not a common occurance, but it can/does happen.

If you use a sump and have the skimmer there, the microbubbles won't be an issue in the main tank. However, I don't use sumps/refugiums so I have HOB skimmers on the main tank.

Tom

 

[MonaLisa]

Thanks for the response.

I don't use sumps/refugiums either...I wouldn't know where to start with any of that, so my equipment is HOB as well, and I do my water changes 1 x/week to make sure that my water parameters stay in check.

Another question I've been thinking about, what are some good things to use for hitching posts? I've read that some use nylon rope, I would sure like to see some creative ways that is used in a tank. Any other ideas? Preferably with pics ??

:fish1:

 

[Fredfish]

what are some good things to use for hitching posts?

Some of the things my horses use as hitches: macro algae, live rock, corals, powerhead, Powerhead strainer, feeding tube from the feeding station,

I have a lot of macro algae in the tank and they hitch to that more than anything. My personal preference is for a natural looking tank so I have avoided stuff like rope.

If you have any frags that didn't make it in your reef system, they would also make good hitches. Basically anything the horse can gain purchase on (and they are very versitile).

I agree with reefnut on the skimmer and live rock. I just got a couple of really neat sponges as freebies on rock attached to a gorgonian.

Fred

 

[MonaLisa]

Good to know about the LR and skimmer.

I'm in the process of researching things that I can use in the sh tank that will be suitable. I think I'll have fun coming up with ideas. Throw some more my way, if you've got 'em.

:fish1:

 

[MonaLisa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9227203#post9227203 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fredfish
Some of the things my horses use as hitches: macro algae, live rock, corals, powerhead, Powerhead strainer, feeding tube from the feeding station,

I have a lot of macro algae in the tank and they hitch to that more than anything. My personal preference is for a natural looking tank so I have avoided stuff like rope.

If you have any frags that didn't make it in your reef system, they would also make good hitches. Basically anything the horse can gain purchase on (and they are very versitile).

I agree with reefnut on the skimmer and live rock. I just got a couple of really neat sponges as freebies on rock attached to a gorgonian.

Fred

Hmm, that brings up another question. Is there a place on this forum to show me exactly how a feeding station is set up and how it is used? I know that I'll need one, but I don't know at this point how to start setting one up. I'd like to have this info before getting my tank ready.

Thanks for the responses!!

Lisa :fish1:

 

[fours2many]

Hmm, that brings up another question. Is there a place on this forum to show me exactly how a feeding station is set up and how it is used?

My feeding station was simple. I super glued a water bottle cap to a piece of tonga rock. The horses hitch on the rock and macro nearby. I just squirt the mysis in the bottle cap and they all come swimming over to eat. Trust me, seahorses are very easy to train. Whatever and how ever you feed them, they will get used to it and come to the same spot when they see you. Some people use a clam shell, some a dip in their live rock. It is up to you how and where you want to feed them.

Kristin

 

[MonaLisa]

Thanks very much. I'm in the process of establishing a contact with a kuda breeder. I initially had been considering erectis, but I want to look at all my available avenues. It's been suggested to me that kudas are a little more active? If that's true, my consideration of them grows. Are the kuda also appropriate for first-time sh keepers?

thank you!!

Lisa