First time with the ponies

[Fireworm]

I finally took the plunge. I set up a 8g bio cube in our bedroom for the wife. I have a few corals in there, zoos - yumas- xenia - and a sun coral. Along with some different types of macro. My wife has wanted sea horses ever since I got into the salt hobby a few years back. On Friday, she came home with one. The only tank that I could put it in safely was the 8g. I know it is too small, but the SH is only about 2" right now. I am not sure on the species as the pet store she got it from just has them as yellow SHs. I called and that is what they told me.

I know I am going to need a bigger tank, so I want to build one. I was thinking of an acrlyic tank, roughly 24"x18"x14". I plan on drilling it for an overflow, but the return I was going to try to put on a SCWD. I plan on using a 10g for the sump. Running T5 for the lights. Probably bare bottom, i would like to get zoos or maybe GSP to cover the bottom over time.

Here is my plan so far: I would like to get one more pony to go with the one she has, and then add maybe a pair of Brazilian Redi from a better LFS, or do a pipe fish or 2. Soft corals, mainly zoos, rics, yumas, and shrooms. Lots of macro that I already have in my other tanks. I would like to do the SCWD for a random return.

What size pump do you suggest for the return? any other suggestions?

 

[Lightsluvr]

Photos?

Photos?

Can you post photos of the "yellow seahorse"; maybe someone can identify the species, in order to give better answers to your questions.

Whatever you do, I would not mix species, especially in a small tank. You are asking for disaster due to disease issues. Even the same species from different breeders can cause problems with unsafe exchange of pathogens.


JMHO.

LL

 

[Fireworm]

I will try to get some pics tonight after the kids go to bed.

 

[Fireworm]

As soon as the pics get done loading into PB i will post them. It is taking forever.

 

[Fireworm]

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[Fireworm]

Sorry for the bad pics. Looked better on my camera or on a small scale

 

[Fireworm]

Any idea of what type of pony we have? The LFS siad it was a yellow one, thanks

 

[Lightsluvr]

H. Reidi?

H. Reidi?

It's hard to be certain, but to me it looks like a little female H. Reidi. Pretty color.

I would definitely get a larger tank soon, especially before you add a second seahorse to that little tank. Seahorses are not Bettas, and need more water volume with superior filtration.

If you are going to build a SH-specific tank, I would make it deeper, at least 24". Horses enjoy some depth to move around and perform their mating ritual, which is fascinating to watch.

Look into the cost of chillers before you jump in too deep... they are expensive to buy and operate... it's the only way to maintain 72-75 degrees in a tank.

Good luck.

LL

 

[Fireworm]

I can't afford to buy or run a chiller. The LFS that I like has some of the ORA Redi that he keeps at 76, and he has had the one pair for over a year. My tank now doesn't get over 77.

I am still thinking about the tank build and how I want to do that.

 

[Lightsluvr]

ORA Reidi

ORA Reidi

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14437515#post14437515 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fireworm
I can't afford to buy or run a chiller. The LFS that I like has some of the ORA Redi that he keeps at 76, and he has had the one pair for over a year. My tank now doesn't get over 77.

I am still thinking about the tank build and how I want to do that.

Too many LFS notoriously are shockingly ignorant about the animals they sell - it is worse with specialized animals like seahorses...

Your LFS sounds like an exception if they have maintained a pair for a year. I assume this is a display, not for sale? Does he run a chiller on this tank? I wager that he does if he really keeps it at 76 degrees 24/7.

My LFS used to order ORA seahorses as well...I never saw one last over a week in their tanks - and they are a high end store, with a full time tank maintenance staff. Without exception, the ORA horses would not eat frozen foods offered. They died a slow death.

I owned a Bio-Cube with stock lights. I could never keep it below 80 degrees when the lights were operating, even with an auxiliary fan and leaving the lid open. Unless you run your room temps super cold (in all seasons), I don't see how you can keep yours at 77.

Not to be harsh, but if you can't afford a chiller, you probably can't afford to keep seahorses.

I just offered advice and wish you the best.


LL

 

[Fireworm]

No ..... I didn't think you were being harsh.

My LFS had one pair in his display for a few years. He hand feeds all of his horses, but he hand feeds all of his stock. I have seen him hand feed his clown triggers. I think he is crazy.

Our SH tank is in our bedroom, and the door is shut most of the time, so the room does stay colder in there. I am curious to see what it will do in the summer time in there.